SafePlants

Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)

Sweet Vernal Grass, scientifically known as Anthoxanthum odoratum, is a perennial grass recognized for its sweet scent. It is often found in grasslands and meadows, and has various common names including holy grass, vanilla grass, and buffalo grass.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant contains coumarins, which give it its characteristic scent.

Considerations for Children

• This plant contains coumarins, which give it its characteristic scent.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Anthoxanthum odoratum L.
• Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
• Common Names: Sweet Vernal Grass, Sweet Vernalgrass, Holy Grass, Vanilla Grass, Buffalo Grass, Scented Vernal Grass, Spring Grass
• USDA PLANTS Symbol: ANOD

Distribution and Habitat

• Sweet Vernal Grass is native and common in a wide variety of habitats, most frequently in acidic grasslands and meadows.
• It is considered an exotic species in the U.S.

Ecological Role

• Sweet Vernal Grass is regarded as a significant environmental weed in Victoria and as an environmental weed in Western Australia.
• It is a widespread weed found in many natural settings and tolerates almost any soil.
• It exhibits allelopathic properties, meaning it can release compounds (coumarin) into the soil that affect other plants.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a short, loosely tufted, perennial grass, typically 30 to 60cm tall.
• The leaves are rolled in the sheath and may reach 0.4 in. (10 mm) in width.
• It is an early flowering grass, with dense clusters of flowers forming cylindrical panicles that spread out in flower but close in fruit.
• Spikelets are 6 to 10 mm long and hairy.
• Visible white hairs are present at the base of the leaves.

Quirky Facts

• Sweet vernal grass gives newly mown hay its characteristic sweet smell due to the presence of coumarin.
• In Europe, sweet vernal grass is known as a spice and is a renowned medicinal plant in aroma therapy and ayurveda.
• A tincture of its flowers in wine is said to relieve hay fever.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Dicoumarol toxicity in cattle has been associated with the ingestion of silage containing sweet vernal grass.

Further Information

• WebMD
• Dave's Garden
• USDA PLANTS Database
• CalPhotos