Description One of my favorite things about summer as a child was the sweet smell of our old barn packed with meadow hay. It wasn’t until many years later that I learned the distinctive smell I remembered was from the dried sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum). The plant still grows in the meadows here at Hayefield, which was originally part of our family farm. I’ve noticed that it comes back mostly along the walking trails I mow a couple times a year, not so much in the undisturbed parts of the meadow, where it would have to compete with the long-established native grasses and forbs. Sweet vernal grass is a clump-forming, cool-season grass, sprouting new growth quickly in early spring, flowering in mid spring, and then turning golden as the tops dry and the seedheads mature in early summer. Total height in bloom is about 2 feet, usually—can be anywhere from 1 to 3 feet. Since this grass isn’t a U.S. native and it can self-sow freely, I wouldn’t suggest intentionally letting it loose in a meadow, but it could be pretty in a naturalistic garden. Or, grow it in a cutting garden or herb garden and use it in dried arrangements, for basketmaking, or for sweetgrass braids. Full sun to light shade. Perennial; Zones 5 to 9. If you’d prefer a native alternative to sweet vernal grass, check out sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata). Be aware that that species is a vigorous spreader, though. Collected in June 2025. At least 15 seeds. Shipping to U.S. addresses only. Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
