Garlic chive, a clump-forming onion family member, is a close relative of ordinary chives. It is used in the same way as chives for flavoring dishes but also for ornamental purposes in gardens. Garlic chive is native to China.
Garlic chives have flattened, strappy leaves and a pleasant garlic taste. This is particularly true when leaves are harvested young.
Clumps of garlic chives come back year after year, and in late summer the starry white flower heads hover above the leaves. The flowers can be eaten too. Pick them just after they open and sprinkle them on salads for a pretty and spicy garnish.