Anthoxanthum nitens - Vanilla Sweet Grass

Sizes available: HPP quart

Basics: zone 3-7, 12-24"+ (will spread up to 2 feet per year), full to part sun, the blooms are tiny-greenish white ripening to tan, blooms in late spring-early summer, needs consistent moisture to wet conditions.

Synonym: Hierochloe odorata

Common names: Vanilla Sweet Grass, Manna Grass, Mary's Grass, Vanilla Grass, Sweet Grass, Holy Grass (UK), Bison Grass (Poland), Northern Sweet Grass, Hair of Mother Earth

Family: Poaceae

Origin/Distribution: North America, Northern Eurasia, native to Maine

Habitat: Salt marsh, brackish water, fens, damp meadows and fields, wet edges, swamps, moist swales. In marshes, A. nitens is associated with Juncus balticus and in dunes with Ammophila breviligulata.

More: A. nitens has a rich and varied history of uses in numerous cultures up to the present day. According to Go Botany it is "traditionally used by many Native American Tribes for medicinal purposes and for incense, perfume and in ceremonies." This grass is also an important basketry material. It has been used as a flavoring in distilled beverages, candy, tobacco, and soft drinks. Northern Europeans used it as a strewing herb. Spreads by rhizome and is a very strong grower if happy. In order to preserve the sweet vanilla scent at its most potent, harvest prior to the first frost. The coumarin in the plant is responsible for the vanilla scent and may also deter grazing. Coumarin is also considered potentially carcinogenic. 

Source: Honey Petal Plants

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons