Missouri Goldenrod vs Nodding Onion - TreeTime.ca

Missouri Goldenrod vs Nodding Onion

Allium cernuum

Solidago missouriensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Nodding Onion
Missouri Goldenrod

Nodding Onion is a native perennial wildflower known for its nodding clusters of flowers that range in color from white to pink to purple. The lightly scented blooms provide pollen and nectar for pollinators, especially bees, which can collect while hanging upside down, a capability most other insects lack.

The narrow, grass-like leaves of the Nodding Onion can be used as a seasoning in cooked dishes, though bulbs and raw leaves should not be eaten in large quantities. All parts of the plant have an onion-like aroma when bruised, which helps deter deer and rabbits. They can self-seed readily, so removing spent blooms helps manage their spread. Tolerant of a range of soils, including alkaline, it is well-suited for a variety of plantings, including pollinator gardens and naturalization projects.

Missouri Goldenrod is a native perennial wildflower known for its brilliant golden yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to early fall. The flower heads contain hundreds of tiny blossoms that attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Fully opened flowers can also be used to make tea. As the season progresses, the flowers give way to fluffy seed heads, providing food for birds.

It can spread readily through its roots and self-seeding, this make Missouri Goldenrod well suited for hard-to-grow areas. This vigorous growth habit makes it an excellent choice for large planting areas, wildflower gardens, naturalized projects, prairie restoration, and erosion control.

Nodding Onion Quick Facts

Missouri Goldenrod Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright to spreading, clump-forming
Spreading: seeds - high
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: raw leaves and bulbs can be midly toxic

Foliage: smells of onion when crushed, edible
Flowers: white, pink, or purple nodding clusters
Flowers: clusters of small yellow flowers
Bloom time: late spring to summer
Bloom time: mid summer to early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, ON
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON
Other Names: ladys leek, nodding wild onion
Other Names: low goldenrod, prairie goldenrod