The mature papery seed capsule releases hard black seeds. Nodding onion occurs widely throughout the southern two-thirds of our province from the coast to Alberta. There are also populations in the southern Peace River country. This widespread onion ranges as far east as New York state and south to Texas and Georgia. In general, nodding onion thrives in dry open sites such as dry woodlands and meadows as well as rocky knolls and cliffs especially on the coast.
Nodding onions make excellent garden plants for dry sunny sites.
They are best grown from seed or bought from specialist nurseries or garden centres. In the fall, sow the seed just below the soil surface in a mixture of peat moss and sandy loam, and leave them to germinate over the winter. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them or separate out and plant in suitable location. Good sites include shallow soils over rock or the front of a perennial bed. These native onions will even grow well in a pot.