Schoenoprasum

Schoenoprasum is a small genus of flowering plants in the Amaryllidaceae family. It includes herbaceous, perennial plants commonly associated with the culinary herb chives. Members form dense clumps that arise from small bulbs, with slender, hollow leaves and an inflorescence composed of an umbel of small tubular flowers, typically in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Description of the plants emphasizes their grasslike leaves and the scent they release when crushed, which is onion-like due to sulfur-containing compounds. Flowers are arranged on tall scapes and are attractive to pollinators. While the best-known member is the culinary chive, the genus also includes related wild species found in various temperate regions.

Distribution and habitat: Species placed in Schoenoprasum are native to temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere, with occurrences in Europe, Asia, and North America. They have been widely cultivated and naturalized in many regions beyond their native ranges.

Cultivation and uses: The most familiar member is cultivated as a kitchen herb. The leaves are harvested fresh for flavoring and garnishes, and the flowers are sometimes used as edible accents. Plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they tolerate cool climates. They propagate by division of clumps or by seed, with divisions commonly done in spring. In gardens, they form hardy, low-maintenance borders or herb patches and can tolerate light frost.

Taxonomy: In many classification schemes, chives are placed in the genus Allium as Allium schoenoprasum, while some botanists recognize Schoenoprasum as a separate genus for a related group. Regardless of placement, the plants are valued for their culinary and ornamental uses.