Sweet Vernal Grass: A Fragrant and Versatile Plant
Introduction
Sweet vernal grass is a small, cool season perennial grass that is known for its sweet, vanilla-like scent. It is a popular choice for dried flower arrangements and potpourri, as it retains its scent for years. However, due to its aggressive nature, it is important to be careful how you grow it.
What is Sweet Vernal Grass?
Sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) is a small grass that typically grows to be about 2 feet tall. It has narrow, green leaves and dense clusters of yellow flowers that bloom in early to midspring. The flowers are a favorite food plant for the larvae of brown and skipper butterflies.
Sweet vernal grass gets its name from the sweet, vanilla-like scent that it emits when it is cut. This scent comes from a substance called coumarin, which is also found in sweet woodruff. Coumarin is a natural anticoagulant, which means that it can help to prevent blood clots.
Sweet Vernal Grass in Landscapes
Sweet vernal grass is a common sight in meadows, pastures, and other grasslands. It is also a popular choice for use in landscaping, as it is easy to grow and maintain. Sweet vernal grass can be grown in sun to light shade, and it prefers well-drained soil.
One of the benefits of sweet vernal grass is that it is drought tolerant. This makes it a good choice for areas that receive little rainfall. Sweet vernal grass is also relatively low-maintenance, and it does not require a lot of fertilizer or water.
Controlling Sweet Vernal Grass
While sweet vernal grass is a beautiful and versatile plant, it is important to be aware of its aggressive spreading nature. Sweet vernal grass can quickly take over an area, and it can be difficult to control.
One of the best ways to control the spread of sweet vernal grass is to grow it in containers. This will prevent the roots from spreading and will help to keep the plant under control.
If you do decide to plant sweet vernal grass in the ground, be sure to choose a location where it will not be able to spread to unwanted areas. You should also avoid allowing the plant to flower and seed, as this will help to prevent the spread of the seeds.
Uses of Sweet Vernal Grass
In addition to its use in landscaping, sweet vernal grass has a number of other uses. These include:
- Dried flower arrangements: Sweet vernal grass is a popular choice for dried flower arrangements, as it retains its scent for years.
- Potpourri: Sweet vernal grass can be used to make potpourri, which is a mixture of dried flowers and herbs that is used to scent a room.
- Medicine: Sweet vernal grass has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, nausea, and sleeplessness.
- Golf courses: Sweet vernal grass is often used in the roughs on golf courses, as it is a hardy grass that can withstand being trampled on.
Conclusion
Sweet vernal grass is a beautiful and versatile plant that has a variety of uses. However, it is important to be aware of its aggressive spreading nature before planting it in your garden. By taking the proper precautions, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of sweet vernal grass without having to worry about it taking over your yard.
