Wild onion (Allium cernuum, Arch. Bot. (Leipzig) 1(2): 40 (1798))

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Author: Roth

Bibliography: Arch. Bot. (Leipzig) 1(2): 40 (1798)

Year: 1798

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Allium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: W. & S. Canada to NE. Mexico

Description

Wild onion, scientifically known as Allium cernuum, is a captivating and versatile member of the Amaryllidaceae family. This herbaceous plant has established its presence across a wide geographical range, stretching from the wilds of Western and Southern Canada down through the diverse ecosystems of Northeast Mexico.

Characterized by its delicate, nodding flower heads, Allium cernuum offers both aesthetic appeal and functional utility. Each flower is typically a soft shade of pink or white, featuring a bell-like shape that gracefully bends at the end of a slender stalk. This distinctive nodding posture of the flowers is a hallmark trait that not only contributes to its common name, wild onion, but also enhances its visual charm in natural landscapes and cultivated gardens alike.

Beyond its ornamental attributes, wild onion has practical applications that have been acknowledged and utilized by various cultures. In the culinary realm, its edible bulbs and leaves have been used as seasoning, somewhat akin to its domesticated relatives. The mild, onion-like flavor of the plant makes it a favored choice for adding a subtle zing to a variety of dishes.

Ecologically, Allium cernuum plays a significant role. It attracts a range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, thereby contributing to the biodiversity and health of its native habitats. This engagement with pollinators underscores the plant’s importance within its ecosystem, supporting the reproduction and sustainability of numerous plant species.

Documented first in Arch. Bot. (Leipzig) in 1798 by botanist Roth, wild onion has a well-recorded history of observation and study. It remains a pertinent subject of botanical interest, offering insights into the adaptive strategies of plants across diverse environmental conditions.

Whether appreciated for its culinary qualities, decorative potential, or ecological significance, Allium cernuum stands out as a remarkable plant that bridges the gap between aesthetic beauty and practical use.

Common Names

Eng: lady’s leek, nodding onion, wild onion, nodding wild onion
Fra: ail penché
Swe: prärielök
En: Wild onion, Lady’s leek, Nodding onion, New Mexico nodding onion, Nodding wild onion
Fr: Ail penché
Sv: Prärielök

Synonyms

• Allium neomexicanum (Rydb.)
• Allium oxyphilum (Wherry)
• Gynodon cernuum ((Roth) Raf.)
• Gynodon elliotii (Raf.)
• Allium recurvatum (Rydb.)
• Allium nutans (Schult. & Schult.f.)
• Allium cernuum var. neomexicanum ((Rydb.) J.F.Macbr.)
• Calliprena cernua ((Roth) Salisb.)
• Allium cernuum subsp. neomexicanum ((Rydb.) Traub & Ownbey)
• Allium cernuum f. alba (J.K.Henry)
• Cepa cernua ((Roth) Moench)
• Allium alatum (Schreb. ex Roth)
• Gynodon rupestre (Raf.)
• Allium cernuum var. obtusum ((Cockerell) Cockerell)
• Allium cernuum subsp. obtusum ((Cockerell) Traub & Ownbey)
• Allium cernuum f. obtusum (Cockerell)
• Allium allegheniense (Small)
• Allium tricorne (Poir.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 11, 2016 by EOL − mbalame99 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 2, 2022 by Dwayne Emberson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by Adrianna Tejeda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Josh George (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2020 by Hernandez Manuel (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 15, 2021 by Remy Way (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2021 by Stephanie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2019 by June (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Rayna Bullok (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by jimmysong (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Veronique Boulanger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by jimmysong (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Amber LeBlanc (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by jean cayrol (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2856745)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:527801-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Allium cernuum Roth)

Specifications

Growth