Green Onions vs. Chives: What's the Difference?

Both belong to the allium family, but they're used and grown differently.

Chives

• Perennial—come back every year.
• Grown for their slender, hollow leaves.
• Mild onion flavor; used fresh as an herb in soups, salads, eggs.
• Do not form a significant bulb.

Green Onions (Scallions)

• Annual—harvested before bulb matures.
• Grown for both green tops and small white base.
• Stronger, more pungent flavor than chives.
• Entire plant is pulled at harvest.

In short: chives are a perennial herb; green onions are immature bulb onions harvested for their foliage.