Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Chives is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–18" H × 8"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CO, CT, ID, IL and 17 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Chives are a compact, well-behaved perennial herb with thin, grass-like foliage and cheerful purple globe-shaped flowers in late spring. This native allium forms neat clumps that stay tidy throughout the growing season and can be easily harvested for culinary use.
In an HOA neighborhood
Chives is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The purple flower globes are excellent for attracting bees and butterflies during their May-June bloom period. The long blooming flowers provide reliable nectar sources for pollinators in late spring.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Chives and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.