Prairie Onion, Allium stellatum

Prairie onion is a common resident of dry gravely slopes. Starting the season as a few nondescript flat leafs, it soon develops a nodding pod of papery flowers. Mid-summer, it pulls itself upright and bursts open into a firework display of star-shaped flowers. Colors range from white, to pink, to lavender. Its visual interest lasts through fall and into winter, sometimes holding its dark black seeds well into the season’s first snowfall.

As with any native plant, it is best suited for sites that mimic its natural habitat. Rock gardens and dry edges, free from large aggressive competitors are prime sites. Prairie onion germinates well from seed, but can require 2 to 4 years before showing its first flowers.

Life Cycle: Perennial
Size: 14 inches
Sun: Full, Partial
Soil: Medium, Medium-Dry, Dry
Bloom Time: July, August
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