PlantFiles: Holy grass, Sweetgrass, Seneca Grass, Vanilla Grass, Buffalo Grass, Zebrovka
Hierochloe odorata

Hierochloe odorata is different from Anthoxanthum odoratum. I don't know much about the latter but Hierochloe odorata does not produce scent until dried.

Hierochloe odorata needs to be fed heavily about once every four months with organic plant food or lawn food (it burns easily) and the soil needs to be kept moist (watering daily is suggested), like the boggy conditions it naturally occurs in. Plants also NEED the dormancy period which is naturally provided in colder zones.

Plants grow best in containers as it will most likely spread if planted in the ground. It makes for a nice, lush container plant.

Grass is easiest to braid when soaked first.

i've been planting this grass [which is a native 'species of special concern' here in california] in front of basement air vents at houses i've landscaped. the slight aroma of the leaves almost covers up the musty basement odors and it seems to thrive in the slightly cooler air.

Here in Saskatchewan it spreads rapidly, growing to over 3' tall. Flowers in May but most of the seed heads are empty or of poor germination rate. Transplants readily.

Native grass used by a number of Indian tribes in ceremonies, as perfume or burned as incense. Wonderful vanilla scent. Can be invasive. Makes a beautiful container plant."

Grows best in nitrogen fixed soil; try planting where beans have grown the year before.

Wonderful plant. Seed germination very unlikely - buy plugs. Scent not noticable until leaves are harvested and dried. Grass may be braided, dried and burned like incense. Plant contains coumarin, a carcinogen. also toxic if ingested.

Considered a sacred plant. Used in peace and healing rituals. Also used in incense and perfume.