Scientific Family
Liliaceae
Synonyms
Allium cernuum var. cernuum , A. recurvatum, A. allegheniense, A. oxyphilum, A.cernuum subsp.obtusum, A. neomexicanum, A. natans
Other common names
nodding wild onion
lady's leek
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Allium stellatum
Height
To almost 2 feet
Riparian
Yes
Vase-shaped grass-like leaves and a taller leafless flowering stalk rise directly from a bulb; the flower stalk bends sharply downward at the top causing the clusters of tiny bell-like flowers to "nod" towards the ground; plant has an oniony scent.
White to pinkish-purple, nodding flower clusters, stamens extend beyond flowers; onion scented; bulbs elongate, thin and membranous outer scales, no coarse fibers; tepals (petals and sepals) have smooth edges; ovary and seed capsule have elevated ridges.
Habitat
Found among grasses, openings in pine forests, in moist soils, in cool shady places with Ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, sagebrush, Douglas fir and aspen communities.
Plant Community
Riparian
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Grasslands
Low elevation
5000
High elevation
8500
Flower Characteristics
The nearly 2 foot leafless flower stalk (scape) has a 1 to 2 inch wide, loose, nodding, rounded cluster of 8 to 35 tiny bell-shaped flowers at its top. Each flower has 6 tepals consisting of 3 inner petals and 3 outer sepals; margins curve inward.
Flower color
White to pinkish-purple
Flower shape
Bell-shaped
Tubular
No
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
3 to 5 grass-like leaves, 4 to 10 inches long and 1/16 to 1/4 inch wide, grow from plant's base. Leaves flat, linear and parallel-veined with a center rib forming a slight "v" in cross section. Leaf margins are smooth or have small outward-facing teeth.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Capsule is 3-lobed with 6 seeds and a prominent raised ridge on its surface. It is 1/4 inch long and has a reverse egg-shape with the narrow end at the base. The capsule stays green until just before it releases seeds, then it turns tan or straw-colored.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Green, light brown
Roundish, hard, black seeds are minutely roughened and may have a shiny or dull surface. Seeds are usually wind dispersed.