Allium cernuum, also known as nodding onion, is a species of the genus Allium that is native to North America. This perennial plant is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. Its scientific name, Allium cernuum, is derived from the Latin words 'allium' meaning garlic and 'cernuum' meaning nodding. There are various synonyms for this species, including Allium nutans, Allium sibiricum, and Allium recurvatum. Some common names it is known by include lady's leek, nodding wild onion, curly onion, and prairie onion. The nodding onion has been used for medicinal purposes and as a culinary spice.