Anthoxanthum odoratum aka Sweet Vernal Grass

Taxonomy

Anthoxanthum odoratum, also known as sweet vernal grass, is a short-lived perennial grass native to acidic grassland in Eurasia and northern Africa. This cool season grass forms loose clumps of short, relatively broad leaves and has an evergreen nature. It is commonly grown as a lawn grass and a house plant, thanks to its sweet scent. It can also be found in unimproved pastures and meadows. The unbranched flower spikes of Anthoxanthum odoratum appear early, typically in late spring or early summer. This grass is capable of self-seeding and becomes drought tolerant over time. The specific epithet odoratum, derived from Latin, signifies its 'odorous' nature.

Common names

Sweet Vernal Grass, Buffalo Grass, Scented Vernal Grass

How to care for Sweet Vernal Grass

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Sweet Vernal Grass is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Sweet Vernal Grass should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Sweet Vernal Grass loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Sweet Vernal Grass requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Buffalo Grass is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Growth-pattern

The Sweet Vernal Grass displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.

Region of origin

Sweet Vernal Grass’s native range is Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia