The wet soils and landscapes of the Chicago region once supported millions of these delicate plants.

Flourishing profusely in undulating swells and swales of pre-settlement northeastern Illinois, nodding wild onion is now found primarily in protected nature preserves.


Its pungent scent can be overwhelming on the summer prairie. The nodding wild onion gets its common name from its shape.


Pink or white flower clusters “nod” from the stem.