Sweetgrass

Scientific name

Hierochloe odorata

Description

Sweetgrass, scientifically known as Hierochloe odorata, is a perennial grass native to North America and Eurasia. It's renowned for its pleasant aroma, which is sweet and vanilla-like, hence its name. Appearance: Sweetgrass typically grows in dense tufts, reaching heights of around 30 to 60 centimeters. Its leaves are long, narrow, and typically rolled inward, giving them a cylindrical appearance. The grass blades are smooth and may have a slight bluish-green hue. Aroma: The most distinctive feature of sweetgrass is its delightful fragrance, often described as sweet, vanilla-like, or reminiscent of fresh hay. When dried and burned, sweetgrass releases a fragrant smoke that is traditionally used in various spiritual and ceremonial practices by Indigenous peoples of North America

Planting conditions

Sweetgrass thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is commonly found in meadows, marshes, and along streambanks. It prefers full sunlight but can tolerate some shade.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
  • Wildflower
• Eco Zone:
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
  • 8a
• Plant type:
  • Ground Cover
• Height:
  • 30-60 cm