- Category
- Forb / Wildflower
- Sun
- Full to Partial
- Soil moisture
- Medium to Dry
- Bloom time
- Jul–Aug
- Bloom color
- Purple
About Prairie Onion
Prairie Onion is a late-blooming gem that brings a burst of vibrant color to the autumn landscape when many other plants have begun to fade. Unlike its nodding cousin, Prairie Onion features upright, globe-like clusters of star-shaped, deep pink to lavender flowers that bloom in August and September. Native to dry prairies and rocky outcroppings of the central United States, this resilient perennial is perfectly adapted to harsh, sunny conditions. It typically grows 8 to 18 inches tall and features narrow, gray-green foliage that remains attractive throughout the season. The flowers are highly attractive to late-season butterflies and bees, providing essential forage before winter. Prairie Onion is a superb choice for rock gardens or dry-mesic prairies, as it requires full sun and well-drained soil. It is remarkably drought-tolerant once established and, like most onions, is naturally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.
Native range
Native to 15 states:
County range map

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).
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