Sweet Vernal Grass

Anthoxanthum odoratum

Physical Characteristics

Anthoxanthum odoratum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Tea Seed[105, 177]. The seed is very small and its use would be fiddly[K]. A tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves[144]. A sweet pleasant fragrance[183]. Some caution is advised, see notes at top of the page.

Medicinal Uses

Anticoagulant Antiemetic Antispasmodic Stimulant The whole plant, and especially the flowering stems, is anticoagulant, antispasmodic and stimulant[9, 13]. It is normally only applied externally, where it is used in the treatment of rheumatic pain, chilblains, nervous insomnia etc[9]. It is said that a tincture made from this grass with spirit of wine is an effective and immediate cure for hay fever[4, 240].

Known Hazards

The plant contains coumarins, this is what gives it the scent of newly mown hay. When used internally, especially from dried plants, it can act to prevent the blood from co-aggulating[13].