• A thick cluster of Anthoxanthum nitens (Sweet Grass) in summer, with fresh, vibrant green leaves. The blades stand tall in nursery trays, surrounded by dark soil, indicating active growth in warm weather.
  • Sweet Grass (Anthoxanthum nitens) in autumn, with long, slender leaves turning golden yellow and reddish-orange. The dense growth shows the seasonal transition as the green fades into warm fall colors.
  • A stand of Anthoxanthum nitens in late fall, with dry, pale golden leaves interspersed with straw-colored and reddish blades. The grass appears brittle, with a mix of upright and bent stalks, showing its dormant state.
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Wild About Flowers

Anthoxanthum nitens - Sweet Grass

Anthoxanthum nitens - Sweet Grass

$5.50 CAD
$5.50 CAD
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Sweet Grass is a fragrant, cool-season perennial grass known for its slender, bright green blades and sweet, vanilla-like scent when dried. Blooming in early to mid-summer, it produces delicate, feathery flower heads but sets very little seed, relying instead on creeping rhizomes to spread. The plant contains coumarin, the compound responsible for its signature scent, which becomes especially noticeable on warm summer days. Its aromatic foliage also supports pollinators and beneficial insects by providing shelter and structure.

Thriving in moist, well-drained soils, Sweet Grass is a traditional and ornamental favorite for riparian plantings, naturalized meadows, rain gardens, and erosion control. It also grows well in containers, allowing its fragrance to be enjoyed up close in urban spaces. Due to its high coumarin content, Sweet Grass is typically avoided by deer and other herbivores.

How Easy Is This Plant to Grow?

Germination Difficulty: Experienced
Growing Difficulty: Beginner
Speed of Growth: Moderate
Age to First Bloom: 3-4

Plant Sizes & Blooming Window

Important Information - The "Plant Sizes" are provided as a general guideline for plant selection. The "Blooming Window" indicates the general period when the species is in bloom, not how long an individual plant will flower.

Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions. Please scroll down to see the specific information for this plant.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

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Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seed packs are currently unavailable.

Light Conditions

  • Sun
  • Part Shade

Soil Conditions

  • Well Drained
  • Loam
  • Clay
  • Moist

Height

  • 12" - 24"
  • 24" - 36"

Width

  • Spreading

Bloom Colour

  • Brown/Bronze

Month of Bloom

  • May
  • June

Vigorousness

  • Moderate
  • Aggressive

Deer Resistance

  • High

Features

  • Fragrant
  • Fall Color
  • Used as Groundcover
  • Urban Spaces
  • Rural Spaces
  • Medicinal Properties
  • Edible Parts
  • Good in Containers

Chinook Exposure

  • Fully Exposed

Distribution Info

Sweet Grass, also known as Holy Grass, is native to northern North America and Eurasia. In Canada, it is found in BC, AB, SK, NB, ON, NS, NL, and, PE, and its range extends into the US.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

Traditionally, Sweet Grass holds significant cultural importance among Indigenous peoples in Canada and the US. It is considered sacred and is commonly used in ceremonies, as incense, and in herbal medicine.