Sweet Vernal Grass

GRASSES

GENUS/SPECIES

Anthoxanthum odoratum

FAMILY

Poaceae
(includes all the grasses, including grains)

SYNONYMS

Common: Sweet Vernalgrass

DISTRIBUTION

Eastern US and Pacific Coast

Louisiana northward to Illinois and S Michigan
S Michigan eastward to Maine
Maine southward to Georgia
Georgia westward to Louisiana
Pacific Coast from west central California through Washington

Human Product Number - T27

Veterinary Product Number - 27

Comments

This grass, which is native to the Old World, grows to be some 30 to 60 cm (about 12 to 24 inches) tall, and has rather dense flower heads (but typically less than 3 inches in length) that open somewhat when anthers are exposed. It blooms rather early in the spring. This species will thrive in poor soils and is rather invasive. Although it has a distinct clover-like sweet smell (due to the presence of coumarin), it is rather bitter-tasting and thus seldom eaten by livestock.