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The Nodding onion (Allium cernuum) belongs to Liliaceae (the Lily family). It is a perennial that is native to central and southern North America. It grows in a variety of habitats, ranging from deciduous forests to grasslands, and reaches a height of 30 to 45 cm. The bulb is slender and conical. Four to six linear, flat leaves grow from the base of the bulb. From around June to August, it produces an umbel at the top of the stem, bearing downward-facing flowers in shades of pink, lavender, and white. The flowers are bell-shaped and about 5 mm in diameter. The young leaves have a flavor similar to chives and are edible. Native Americans also used the bulbs as food.
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