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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Hierochloe odorata (L.) Beauv.
Sweet grass, Sweetgrass, Vanilla grass
USDA Symbol: HIOD
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Vanilla grass or sweet grass is an erect, slender, sweet-smelling grass, 12-20 in. tall., with small seedheads bearing broad, bronze-colored spikelets. The grass spreads by creeping rhizomes which send up few to several leafy shoots. This is a perennial.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Grass/Grass-like Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Fruit Type: Grain
Leaf Color: Gray-Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Jun
Distribution
USA: CT , DE , ME , MA , NH , NY , RI , VT
Canada: AB ,
BC ,
NB ,
NL ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE ,
SK Native Distribution: Transcontinental Canada, s. to MD, KY, IA, SD, AZ & OR
Native Habitat: Moist meadows; swales; fresh or brackish shores
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N), GL(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Wet soils.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Fragrant Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
Propagation
Description: Not Available
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
Metadata
Record Modified: 2008-02-02
Research By: TWC Staff
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