Chives

Allium schoenoprasum

Perennial Herb

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Toxic to pets

Human edibility

Edible

Edible parts

flowers (small quantities), young leaves (small quantities)

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

none; commonly eaten raw or cooked

Hazard type

NC State says the plant has poisonous characteristics; the Poisonous to Humans section was not readable. That is not a statement that chives are safe.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses per ASPCA: same toxic principle as onion, garlic, and leek (N-propyl disulfide), which damages red blood cells. Clinical signs: vomiting, breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia, Heinz body anemia), blood in urine, weakness, high heart rate, panting. Keep pets from grazing on the clump, including the flowers.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: 4a - 8b (NC State Extension)
Mature size: 1-1.5 ft tall, 1-1.4 ft wide; can be grown in spaces less than 12 in across.
Family: Amaryllidaceae (formerly Liliaceae)
Where it comes from: Temperate Northern Hemisphere, including the northern US, Canada, northern Europe, Mongolia, and Japan

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon