Chives Allium schoenoprasum 'Black Isle Blush'

Names

• Family

  Amaryllidaceae

• Synonyms

  Chives, Garden Chives, Common Chives, Culinary Chives, Black Isle Blush Chives

• Common names

  Allium schoenoprasum.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Chives, including the 'Black Isle Blush' variety, are not toxic to humans when consumed in typical culinary amounts. They are widely used as herbs and are safe for human consumption. There are no known toxic effects or symptoms of poisoning from eating chives for the general population. However, individuals with a known Allium species allergy should avoid them.

• To pets

  Chives can be toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. Ingesting chives can lead to symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, drooling, nausea, oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. More serious cases may result in damage to red blood cells, leading to conditions such as hemolytic anemia, which could present as pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, or collapse. If a pet consumes chives, it is important to contact a veterinarian promptly.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  1 foot (30 cm)

• Spread

  1 foot (30 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Culinary Uses: Chives (Allium schoenoprasum 'Black Isle Blush') are commonly used as a culinary herb, and their mild onion flavor is an excellent addition to salads, egg dishes, and sauces.
• Aesthetic Appeal: This variety of chives features attractive pink-purple flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
• Pollinator Friendly: The flowers of chives attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which can help pollinate plants in your garden.
• Easy to Grow: Chives are known for being hardy and easy to maintain, making them a good choice for both novice and seasoned gardeners.
• Edible Flowers: The flowers of the 'Black Isle Blush' chives are also edible and can be used to add color and flavor to a variety of dishes.
• Container Gardening: Chives are well-suited to container gardening, allowing people with limited space to grow them easily.
• Culinary Versatility: Chives can be used fresh or dried, providing versatility in how they can be incorporated into cooking.
• Perennial Growth: As a perennial, chives return year after year, reducing the need to replant annually.
• Companion Planting: Chives can be beneficial when planted near other crops as they can help deter pests like aphids.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Allium schoenoprasum, commonly known as chives, can be used as a natural insect repellent in gardens due to its strong scent, which is unappealing to many pests.
• The dense clumps formed by chives can be strategically planted to reduce soil erosion in garden beds.
• Flowers of the chives can be used to add a decorative element to salads and soups with their delicate purple color and mild onion flavor.
• Chives can serve as a companion plant being strategically placed around roses to help prevent black spot and deter aphids.
• The grass-like foliage of chives can be included in floral arrangements for a touch of greenery and subtle fragrance.
• With their compact size and attractive blossoms, chives can be grown in containers as part of an edible balcony garden.
• Chive seeds can be given as a gift to gardeners who enjoy growing their own herbs, with stylish packaging to make the gift more appealing.
• Children can be taught the basics of gardening using chives due to their hardy nature and quick growth, making them ideal for educational projects.
• The chive plant can be used in natural plant dyeing processes to achieve soft green hues on fabrics.
• When dried and placed in wardrobes or drawers, chives can impart a light, pleasant scent to clothes and linens while potentially deterring moths.

Feng Shui

The plant chives is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant chives is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Cleansing and Protection: Chives, including Allium schoenoprasum 'Black Isle Blush', have been traditionally associated with cleansing and protection due to their pungent odor that was believed to ward off evil spirits and disease.
• Strength and Endurance: The hardy nature of chives, able to withstand various conditions and regenerate after cutting, symbolizes strength and the ability to bounce back from adversity.
• Fertility and Growth: Chives have lush green stems and produce round purple flowers, representing fertility and healthy growth in gardens, which can extend metaphorically to other areas of life.