Vanilla Sweet Grass
Sweet Grass is a cool-season grass that spreads easily by rhizome to form a patch. Known for its aromatic vanilla-scented leaves, it is used in indigenous North American ceremonies to attract …
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Medium, Moist |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Height | 1' - 2' |
| Bloom Color | Green, Cream |
| Bloom Time | July, Aug |
| Spacing | 1' |
| Hardiness Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Root Type | Rhizome |
Sweet Grass is a cool-season grass that spreads easily by rhizome to form a patch. Known for its aromatic vanilla-scented leaves, it is burned and used ceremonially in North American indigenous cultures to attract good spirits. It can be harvested, braided and burned as ‘smudge.’
Occurring naturally in wetlands, or prairies and savannas with medium-wet soils, Sweet Grass requires a rich moist soil and at least 6 hours sun a day. Heirochloe odorata is somewhat aggressive and should be planted where it can spread naturally, as it can be difficult to remove it, once it becomes established.
