Allium canadense var. canadense (Native)

Common Name
Wild onion
Meadow onion
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
3.0
Growth Rate
Fast
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8

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Photographer: newlifefromabove
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

iNaturalist Research-grade Observation Image Gallery
Additional Info

Habitat: Floodplain forests and wet meadows, pastures, disturbed areas. Infrequent to locally common throughout Virginia; mostly absent from the outer coastal Plain.

Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Bulbs may be eaten by wild turkeys.

Pruning Guidance
Pruning Time
Summer post-bloom cleanup
Pruning Method
Minimal pruning
Wildlife Benefits
Leaf litter supports overwintering insects
Pruning Notes
Goes dormant by early to midsummer. Let the foliage yellow and collapse naturally because it feeds next year's growth. Leave it in place, keep fallen leaves over the planting for overwintering insects, and mark the spot to avoid digging into it while dormant. Spreads aggressively by bulblets in the flower head.
Flower Color
Cream/White
Pink
Purple/lavender
Bloom Time
Spring
Early Summer
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Shade
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Dry
Average
Soil Texture
Clay
High organic matter
Loamy
Sandy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Hummingbirds
Recommended for
Meadows
Tolerates
Allelopathic plants
Dry soils, drought
Species-specific links
Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora - Species Account
North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox - Species Account