Wild Onion
Asphodelus fistulosus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Wild Onion (Asphodelus fistulosus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Wild Onion
Wild Onion is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaWild onion is a slender perennial that produces tall, hollow stems topped with small white or pale pink flowers in spring. This Mediterranean native has adapted well to arid climates and requires minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Wild Onion takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Considered weedy and invasive in many areas
- Irregular growth habit looks unmanicured
- Can spread aggressively
Wildlife value
The spring blooms attract bees and beetles during an important early season period. The plant provides nectar when few other flowers are available.
Common questions
- How much sun does Wild Onion need?
- Wild Onion grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Wild Onion bloom?
- Wild Onion blooms in April and May.
- What pollinators does Wild Onion attract?
- Wild Onion draws bees and beetles.
- Is Wild Onion HOA-friendly?
- Wild Onion takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Wild Onion? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz