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Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Hierochloe odorata (L.) Beauv.

Sweet grass, Sweetgrass, Vanilla grass

Poaceae (Grass Family)

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.

 

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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

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Additional resources

USDA: Find Hierochloe odorata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Hierochloe odorata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Hierochloe odorata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2008-02-02
Research By: TWC Staff

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