sweet vernal grass

plant

Also known as: Anthoxanthum, Anthoxanthum odoratum, vernal grass

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Also called:: vernal grass

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sweet vernal grass, (Anthoxanthum odoratum), fragrant perennial grass in the family Poaceae, native to Eurasia and North Africa. Sweet vernal grass is sometimes grown as a lawn grass or houseplant for its sweet scent; the fragrant coumarin in the leaves is released when the grass is mown or cut.

Sweet vernal grass is a perennial plant that grows well in acidic soils. A tufted grass, the plant features thin flat leaves and reaches about 0.5 metre (20 inches) in height. The minute wind-pollinated flowers are borne in narrow clusters and produce tiny seeds.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.