Allium prostratum, commonly known as Nodding Onion, is a perennial herb that is deciduous or semi-deciduous depending on the climate. It is native to alpine meadows and rocky slopes in Central Asia and Siberia, where it is adapted to cold, harsh conditions with well-drained soils. This species of wild onion typically forms clumps reaching up to 25 cm in height and spreads through a robust horizontal rhizome, producing 1 or 2 bulbs up to 10 mm in diameter. The leaves are tubular and shorter than the flowering stem, or scape. The umbel is hemispheric, bearing attractive purple flowers that nod slightly, hence the common name.

The Nodding Onion is valued for its ornamental purple flowers, which bloom in the summer and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is suitable for rock gardens, alpine gardens, and borders due to its compact size and low maintenance requirements. It thrives in full sun, requiring low amounts of water once established, and prefers soils with medium drainage. While it is not commonly affected by diseases, onion thrips can sometimes be a problem. This plant is not known for being invasive and is considered a charming addition to the garden for its unique nodding flowers and its ability to naturalize in suitable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0