Yes, they're weeds. Some people use them for cooking other folks say they're too strong.

There is a wild onion that is about the size of chives. Strong odor when mowing.
By your description, bulb is white and 1/2" to 1" in dia. The bulbs divide and they produce top sets which will all grow where they fall on the ground. If this, many people use them. Can be deadly to cattle and dogs, I understand.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wild onion

Wild Onions are not a blessing here, but are so, so invasive in my garden areas. I LOVE to grown many alliums, and we use a lot of kinds here. I would make the wild onion go away, if i could. I sure wouldn't advise anyone to intentionally plant them. They are indeed very strong, and not a lovely flavor. Flowers are pretty in salads - that is about it.

Not deadly to cattle or dogs - but cows that eat them have very highly flavored milk!
Wild onion (or wild garlic as it's sometimes called) is a pernicious weed. Difficult to eradicate by cultivation though mowing close will eventually discourage it.

Thanks for the followups. I apologize for not getting back sooner.

You have all confirmed they're edible and in fact weeds. I was pretty sure no one planted them. I am definitely not bright when it comes to gardening but I never realized any vegetable could grow like that. My kids enjoy plucking them so I'm not overly concerned about getting rid of them.

I don't remember seeing them any place I lived before hmmm.. What an adventure.

I'll try the bulbs some day to see how the flavor is.

Thanks everyone. I'm sure I'll have more questions.

Dion

I am interested to know if what people here in California call wild onions are what you are refering too. Mine have little bell shaped white flowers maybe 7-9 in spring. They are cute. Not allium type of bloom. I also have white allium type of wild something. I tried to find info here about if they can be eaten and no one could find info. The heads if the allium type fallover. Anyone know what I have? Thanks