There are several species of wild onions, garlic and leeks that are native to our state. This native perennial is one of the easiest to identify. The pink or white flowers are bell-shaped and about ¼ inch long and found in clusters at the top of a leafless stem. The blooming period is July or August. Each individual flower has three petals and three sepals that resemble petals. It is easily distinguished from other onions because there is a crook at the top of the stem that causes the flower cluster to nod downwards. This adaptation favors bees that, unlike other insects, will hang upside down while feeding on nectar.

The leaves originate at the base of the plant, are grass-like and 4 to 16 in long. Unlike many other onion species, this plant has solid instead of hollow leaves. The underground bulb has the distinct odor of onion. The fruit is a three-lobed capsule containing only a few seeds.

It grows on rocky soil, in open woods and slopes in the eastern half of North America (except New England and Florida) and parts of the West. The plant grows about 1 to 2 ft high. The flower does attract butterflies and can be planted as a garden ornamental. Deer will generally not feed on it. In some areas it is also known as lady’s leek.