Native Plants of the Great Lakes
North Branch Restoration Project:
Native Plant and Seed Collection
Allium Cernuum / Family:
Liliaceae
Nodding Wild Onion, Swink/Wilhelm # 7
FLOWERING: July to early September.
SEED TIMING: Late September to October.
HABITAT: Moist to mesic prairies.
DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES: 18 - 20 inches high. A nodding umbel
of loose florets and flat ribbon-like foliage. Florets are pale rose
lavender with pinkish cast.
TO PICK: Seed is black and round when ripe, in a starburst
effect. Capsules develop during 4 - 6 week period after blooming.
They remain green as they develop, turning tan or straw-colored
shortly before dispersing the black seed. Probably best to pick
whole head when capsules are slightly green. Check to see if seeds
inside are black or have at least some black coloration. Spread in
open, flat container to air dry. (Because of the onion aroma you may
want to do this other than in your living quarters). |
