Allium canadense aka Canada Onion

Allium canadense is a perennial bulb in the amaryllis family. Common names include meadow garlic, wild onion, and meadow leek. It comes from Canada and the eastern and central United States. It grows in meadows, woods, thickets, fields, and lawns. Garden plants reach about 0.7–1.6 feet [0.2–0.5 metres] tall. Clumps spread about 0.5–1.6 feet [0.15–0.5 metres] wide. Small bulbs and bulbils help it spread beyond these bounds.

The green leaves rise from the base in grassy clumps. They are flat, narrow, smooth, and partly upright. Leaves reach 0.5–1 foot [0.15–0.3 metres] long. Young leaves can look much like grass. Crushed leaves give off a strong onion smell. Smooth, round flower stems stand level with or above the leaves. The plant sheds its leaves rather than keeping them year-round.

Pink or white flowers form round umbels above the leaves. Each small flower has a star-like shape. Bloom runs from late spring into summer. Chicago Botanic Garden lists flowering from May through August. A thin cover splits open as each flower head develops. Heads may bear flowers, bulbils, or a mix of both. The bulbils range from pale green to pinkish red. Brown seed capsules hold several small, dark seeds. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit the plant. Wild turkeys may eat its bulbs.

Grow it in full sun and rich soil that drains well. It also accepts part shade and several soil types. Soil may be acidic, neutral, or alkaline. It needs moderate water but accepts some dry spells. Use containers where heavy clay stays wet through winter. Sources list USDA zones 3–9 and UK hardiness H6. It suits meadows, informal beds, borders, and wildlife gardens. Deer resistance adds to its value in these settings. Care needs are low, but its fast spread can cause trouble. Several states class it as a noxious weed. Most plants have few pest or disease problems. Possible pests include onion fly and allium leaf miner. Onion white rot and downy mildew can also occur.

People eat the bulbs, leaves, flowers, stems, and bulbils. They use them raw, cooked, pickled, or as seasoning. Yet edible does not mean safe in every amount. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in humans. It is toxic to pets and can poison livestock in excess. Avoid harvesting where herbicides have been used. Sources record folk medicinal uses and use as an insect repellent. These reports do not establish safe or proven treatments.