Sweet vernal grass
Anthoxanthum odoratum
- Layer 4 · Herbaceous
- Ground cover
Status by region
No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.
Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).
Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.
About
Anthoxanthum odoratum is a perennial grass native to Eurasia, recognised for its intense sweet aroma of freshly cut hay and vanilla. In food forests, it acts in the herbaceous layer as ground cover, helping to stabilise the soil and providing easily decomposable aromatic biomass. It grows in vigorous tufts and adapts well to meadows, borders and various soil types in the Mediterranean climate.
See which trees sweet vernal grass grows well with
We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.
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Needs
- Water: Medium
- Light: Full sun
- Size: Perennial herb up to 0.6 m in height.
- Mature diameter: 0.3 m
Calendar
- January
- February
- March — Planting
- April — Planting
- May — Harvest
- June — Harvest
- July — Harvest
- August
- September — Planting
- October — Planting
- November
- December
- Harvest
- Planting
Medicinal use: The leaves contain coumarin and are occasionally used in small quantities to flavour teas and beverages, although they require moderation in consumption.
Where to buy
Related plants
Other species in the same layer or with the same function.
See which trees sweet vernal grass grows well with
We have no trees recorded with this species yet. Start from the tree on your land.
No account needed.
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