The chambray onion is a perennial herbaceous plant. It produces between two and ten hollow cylindrical stems, about 30-50 cm long. They grow from a long subway bulb, although it is sometimes referred to as a bulbless onion. The plant grows in clusters. Unlike the common onion, the chambray variety does not have a very strong odor.

The high vitamin C content in chambray onions helps to stimulate the immune system. Vitamin C also facilitates digestion. There are indications that it can prevent disease and infection and produces antibodies that fight the flu.