Sweet Vernal Grass

Description

Species Information

Sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) is a common perennial grass found across grasslands, meadows, and pastures throughout the UK. It typically flowers from April to July, producing compact, cylindrical flower spikes held on stiff stems. When dried, this grass releases a distinctive sweet, vanilla-like scent. Historically, it was used as a chewing grass and for scenting hay and stored clothes.

Sweet vernal grass is an important food source for insects, including the larvae of brown and skipper butterflies. However, its pollen is known to be particularly irritating to hay fever sufferers, making it one of the more allergenic meadow grasses.

How to Identify

Sweet vernal grass is an early-flowering grass with short, dense flower spikes that appear yellowish-green before turning straw-coloured. The stems are stiff and upright, while the leaves are narrow and softly hairy at the base. A key identifying feature is the strong, sweet scent released when the plant is crushed or dried.

How to Grow

Sweet vernal grass grows well in well-drained soils, including low-pH and neutral grounds, and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is well suited to wildflower meadows, traditional grasslands and low-input pasture. As a relatively low-growing grass, it is best included in meadow seed mixtures at modest levels, where it contributes early flowering, wildlife value and characteristic fragrance without dominating other species.