Chives Allium schoenoprasum
This familiar herb is a member of the onion family, and has similar properties to garlic but in a milder form. The plant, which grows from a bulb, is native to Europe and thrives in most conditions in the UK, useful in the herb garden and as an attractive plant for pollinators.
The whole plant is edible: leaves and flowers are frequently used in salads and as garnishes; and it is also medicinal. It is good for the digestive system, being a stimulant for the appetite; and is a tonic for the blood, being a good source of sulphur and iron.
This is a brief entry – we hope to improve it soon.
This image shows the attractive border of chives edging a herb bed in the Physic Garden
