Sweet Vernal Grass

sweet vernal grass

sweet vernal grass, (Anthoxanthum odoratum), also called vernal grass, fragrant perennial grass in the family Poaceae, native to Eurasia and North Africa. Sweet vernal grass is sometimes grown as a lawn grass or houseplant for its sweet scent; the fragrant coumarin in the leaves is released when the grass is mown or cut.

Sweet vernal grass is a perennial plant that grows well in acidic soils. A tufted grass, the plant features thin flat leaves and reaches about 0.5 metre (20 inches) in height. The minute wind-pollinated flowers are borne in narrow clusters and produce tiny seeds.