Common Name: Nodding Onion

General Information

Allium cernuum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 3 - 5 leaves 10 - 25cm long and a flowering scape 10 - 50cm tall from an underground bulb. The plant divides, forming in time a cluster of plants[].
The plant is harvesed from the wild for local use as a food. A very ornamental plant, it makes a very decorative edging to flower beds[].

Known Hazards

Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

N. America - British Colombia to Ontario, south to northeast Mexico, Texas to Georgia.

Habitat

Ledges, gravels, rocky or wooded slopes and crests ascending to high elevations[]. Widely distributed on moist soils in mountainous and cool regions; at elevations from 600 - 3,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.45 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant[], it prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[]. Succeeds in clay soils[]. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant[]. Plants succeed in maritime gardens[].
This species is self-sowing quite freely in our Cornwall garden[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[], though this species has tolerated considerable neglect in our Cornwall garden[].
The cultivar 'Major' is a more vigorous form with larger flower clusters[].
A widespread and very variable species[]. It is closely allied to Allium stellatum and often confused with it[, ].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[, , ]. Strongly flavoured[, , ], it is mainly used as a flavouring[, ]. The bulb is about 50mm tall and 15mm wide[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[, , ]. A delicious, strong-onion flavour, they are very nice in salads[]. The leaves are available from spring until the autumn and are one of the most favourite onions we are growing on our Cornish trial grounds[].

Flowers - raw or cooked. A delicious strong onion flavour, somewhat stronger than the leaves especially if the seeds are starting to set[]. They make a very decorative and tasty addition to the salad bowl[].

Medicinal

The whole plant has mild medicinal activity similar to the action of garlic (Allium sativum)[]. It is used specifically as a poultice on the chest for the treatment of respiratory ailments and the juice has been used in the treatment of kidney stones[].
The juice of the plant is used in treating colds, croup, sore throats etc[].
A poultice of the plant is applied externally to various infections such as sore throats, sores, swellings, chest and pleurisy pains[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Allium species usually grow well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but they inhibit the growth of legumes[, , ]. They are, in general, bad companions for alfalfa - each species negatively affecting the other[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Other Uses

The juice can be applied to exposed skin in order to repel biting insects[].
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the juice of most species in this genus (especially those with a strong onion or garlic smell) can be used as a moth repellent[].
The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle - if you want to produce clumps more quickly then put three plants in each pot. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in spring once they are growing vigorously and are large enough.
Division in spring. Very easy, the plants divide successfully at any time in the growing season and the divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.