Pollinator plant

Wild chives

Allium schoenoprasum

Linked agroforestry plant data
Pollinator recipe
Bee value

Who this plant supports

Honey bees

Medium suitability
Nectar value Medium
Pollen value Unknown

Solitary wild bees

High suitability
Nectar value Medium
Pollen value Unknown
Agroforestry database

Complete plant information

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Structure

Vegetation layer
Herbaceous, Vegetable
Size
Small
Dimensions
0.30 m high × 0.30 m wide
Lifecycle
Perennial

Site conditions

USDA hardiness
5-11
Moisture
Moist
Soil
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Light
Partial shade, Sun

Uses

Edible parts
Leaves, Flowers, Root
Functions
Fungicide, Repellent, Pollinator plant
Edibility
5 out of 5
Medicinal value
2 out of 5

The leaves of this plant can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried for later use. They have a mild onion aroma and pair well in salads or as a flavoring in soups. The leaves are usually available from late winter to early the following winter, especially when the plant grows in a warm and sheltered spot. They are a good source of sulfur and iron. The bulbs are small, usually no larger than 10 mm in diameter, and can be harvested along with the leaves, after which they are used as spring onions due to their mild onion flavor. The flowers can be used as a garnish in salads. It is important to mention that the flowers of this species are quite dry and less desirable than those of many other species.