• Allium stellatum

    Prairie Onion

Allium stellatum

Prairie Onion Description:

Allium stellatum, also known as Prairie Onion or Wild Onion, is a native North American wildflower. It is a hardy and versatile perennial that is commonly found growing in prairies, meadows, and along roadsides in the central parts of the United States.


The plant has a compact, tufted habit and grows to a height of 8-18 inches. It has narrow, linear leaves that are a bright green color and are often used as a source of food by wildlife. In the late spring to early summer, it produces a stem that is topped with a spherical umbel of star-shaped, pink to purplish flowers. The flowers are long-lasting and attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.


Allium stellatum is a tough and adaptable plant that is easy to grow and is suitable for a wide range of soil types and growing conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is also drought-tolerant and can withstand heat and humidity.

In the garden, Allium stellatum is a great choice for native wildflower gardens, meadows, and prairies. It is also an excellent choice for naturalizing in woodland areas and along streams and rivers. Its delicate flowers and compact size make it an excellent choice for rock gardens and for planting in containers.


Overall, Allium stellatum is a charming and hardy wildflower that is a great choice for those looking to add a touch of wildness to their garden. With its delicate pink to purplish flowers, it is sure to bring a beautiful and unique touch to any planting.

Native Range:

Allium stellatum has a narrow native range from the midwest south to Texas.

Standard Plant Information:

Plant height: 8"-18"

Bloom time: July - August

Preferred habitat: Does best in full sun in dry fields, prairies, and rocky areas.

Stratification Code: C60

Sowing:

For most homeowners, the best option is to scatter seed on the ground by hand broadcasting at a minimum of 16-64 pls ounces per acre.  For even coverage, we recommend that you broadcast seed in perpendicular rows across the site to ensure even coverage.


You’ll want to broadcast any grass seed first, which will get raked into the soil lightly. Next, it is ideal to mulch the area lightly with either a clean (no seed) straw or preferably with our native Little Bluestem straw, sold at our retail garden centers. After a light mulching is complete, now it’s time to broadcast your native wildflower seeds, which should not be raked into the soil. A good rain or watering is sufficient to cover the seed.

Planting:

Simply dig a hole in the soil slightly larger than the plant’s roots. Ensure that the soil line of the plant is maintained during the transfer (i.e. the plant should be at the same level with the ground as it was in the pot). Pack any loose dirt back around the plant and make sure you water it well the same day to ensure it has the best chance of survival.

maps used with permission from MN Wildflowers

Allium stellatum Gallery

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