| Anthoxanthum odoratum L. | ||
| sweet vernalgrass Poaceae |
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| Anthoxanthum odoratum L. | ||
| sweet vernalgrass Poaceae |
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This small, perennial bunchgrass forms extensive ground cover in open mesic and dry habitats at high elevations. It invades disturbed areas, preventing the reestablishment of native species. The seeds are dispersed by wind. Its cover increases after fire, but this increase appears to be the result of reduced competition rather than stimulation. It has not been evaluated for biological control.
It occurs between 1,500-3,000 m on Haleakala, Maui, and Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, Hawai'i. Some scrubland habitats on Haleakala have almost pure stands of this grass between the bushes.
