Allium tuberosum aka Garlic Chives

Allium tuberosum, also known as garlic chives, Oriental garlic, Asian chives, Chinese chives, or Chinese leek, is a vigorous bulbous plant native to the Chinese province of Shanxi. It is cultivated and naturalized in various parts of Asia and around the world. This plant grows up to 50cm tall and forms clumps of narrow, edible leaves. In late summer and autumn, it produces umbels of small, fragrant, star-shaped white flowers. While it resembles onion chives, Allium tuberosum has a distinct garlic taste. The plant belongs to the family Liliaceae and its scientific name reflects its onion-like roots. Although the fibrous bulb is not edible, it is grown for its flowers and stems. Garlic chives have flat, grass-like leaves, unlike the hollow leaves of onion chives. They can reach a height of 12 to 15 inches and make excellent additions to borders, containers, herb gardens, or as ground cover. The cream-colored, star-shaped flowers can be eaten or dried for floral arrangements, while the seed heads are often used in everlasting arrangements or left to drop seeds for reseeding.