Allium schoenoprasum

Allium schoenoprasum, commonly known as chives, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaryllidaceae. It is a perennial plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America.

Description

Allium schoenoprasum is a small bulbous herbaceous perennial plant. It grows in clumps up to 30–50 cm in height. The leaves are tubular and hollow, similar to those of onions, but smaller in size. The flowers are pale purple and star-shaped, with six petals.

Cultivation

Chives are grown for their leaves, which are used for culinary purposes as a flavoring herb. They are easy to grow from seed and are often grown in pots or containers. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Chives are also used in companion planting as they are known to deter pests.

Culinary uses

Chives are a commonly used herb and can be found in grocery stores or grown in home gardens. In culinary use, the scapes and unopened, immature flower buds are diced and used as an ingredient for fish, potatoes, soups, and other dishes. The edible flowers can be used in salads.

Medicinal uses

Chives have been used for their medicinal properties. They are rich in vitamins A and C, and they also have trace amounts of sulfur and iron. In traditional medicine, chives are believed to have a mild stimulant effect.

See also

• Allium
• Herb
• Perennial plant