Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Chives

(Allium schoenoprasum)

Captain-tucker

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Captain-tucker

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Captain-tucker | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Captain-tucker | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Allium_schoenoprasum_in_NH_01.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description={{en|1=Flower of garlic chive. Photo taken in Hong Kong in 2008.}} |Source={{own}} |Author=[[User:WingkLEE|WingkLEE]] |Date= |Permission= |other_versions= }} |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Allium schoenoprasum, commonly known as Chives, is a perennial herb that is not evergreen but rather deciduous or semi-evergreen depending on the climate. It is native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, rocky areas, and forest clearings, across the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Europe, Asia, and North America. Chives reach a height of 30–50 cm (12–20 in) and form dense clusters from the roots. The slender, conical bulbs are 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) long and 1 cm (1⁄2 in) broad. The grass-like leaves are hollow and tubular, distinguishing them from garlic chives (Allium tuberosum). The star-shaped, pale purple flowers have six petals and appear in a dense inflorescence of 10-30, enclosed by a papery bract before blooming. Flowering occurs from April to June, depending on the latitude.

Chives are valued for their delicate onion-flavored leaves and ornamental flowers, making them popular in herb gardens, borders, and as a culinary herb. They are also known for attracting pollinators. Chives prefer well-drained, organically rich soil with a pH of 6-7 and require full sun to part shade. They are relatively low-maintenance, resistant to pests, and can be propagated by seed or division. While they tolerate a range of soil drainage conditions, they perform best in soils with medium drainage. Chives can be invasive if allowed to self-seed extensively.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 1-1.5 feet
Width: 1-1.5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Purple
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to grasslands, rocky areas, and forest clearings across the Northern Hemisphere

Other Names

Common Names: Pur-Løg , Schnittlauch , Schnitt-Lauch , Ruoholaukka , Ciboulette , Ail Civette , Brûlotte , Ciboulette Commune , Cives Farouches , Oignon Sauvage

Scientific Names: Allium schoenoprasum , Allium schoenoprasum var. sibiricum , Allium glaucum , Allium schoenoprasum subsp. schoenoprasum , Allium schoenoprasum var. alvarense , Allium schoenoprasum var. schoenoprasum , Allium sibiricum , Allium schoenoprasum var. foliosum , Allium schoenoprasum var. alpinum , Allium schoenoprasum subsp. sibiricum

GBIF Accepted Name: Allium schoenoprasum L.