Allium schoenoprasum (Chives)

Native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, this clump-forming herbaceous perennial grows from small underground bulbs. Its hollow leaves have a mild onion flavor and are used fresh in salads, soups, sauces, dips, and herb butter. The lavender-purple flowers are also edible and can be added to salads or used as garnishes. Leaves can be harvested repeatedly during the growing season and frozen for later use. Plants multiply by bulb division and can self-seed. It has naturalized in New Zealand. Photographed in Cundinamarca, Colombia.