Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Chives is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Chives need?
- Chives grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Chives bloom?
- Chives blooms in May and June.
- Where is Chives native?
- Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is native to CO, CT, ID, IL and 17 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Chives toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Chives is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Chives toxic to cats?
- Yes. Chives is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Chives attract?
- Chives draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Chives HOA-friendly?
- Chives is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz