Holy Grass

Hierochloe odorata

Physical Characteristics

Hierochloe odorata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May. 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Central and northern Europe, including Britain, to N. Asia and N. America.

Habitats

Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Colouring Condiment Seed - cooked[105]. Small and fiddly to use. It almost certainly does not contain coumarin and should be safe to use. An essential oil from the leaves is used as a food flavouring in sweets and soft drinks. It has a strong vanilla-like flavour[183]. The leaves are added to vodka as a flavouring[238]. The plant is said to be used as a colouring agent[183] but no more details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Birthing aid Febrifuge Skin VD A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers, coughs, sore throats, chafing and venereal infections[222, 257]. It is also used to stop vaginal bleeding and to expel afterbirth[222]. The stems can be soaked in water and used to treat windburn and chapping and as an eyewash[257]. Some caution is advised when using this plant internally, see the notes above on toxicity[222]. The leaves are harvested in the summer and dried for later use[238]. Smoke from the burning leaves has been inhaled in the treatment of colds[257].

Known Hazards

The plant contains coumarin, this is toxic if taken internally[169] and is sometimes considered to be carcinogenic[222].