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A plant steeped in history and cherished for its scent, Sweet Grass is one of the most beloved native grasses in North America. Its name comes from the sweet, vanilla-like fragrance produced by the coumarin in its leaves, which becomes especially potent when the grass is dried or crushed. Many North American indigenous cultures burn Sweet Grass in ceremonies to invite the presence of good spirits.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs High; prefers consistently moist to wet soil.
Soil Type rich Muck, moist Clay, Loam or Sandy soils; thrives near water sources.
Mature Height 1 – 2 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time May – July
Plant Spacing 1 – 2 feet (Spreads to fill gaps).
Signature Scent: Unlike most grasses, Sweet Grass produces a sweet aroma when rubbing the leaves.
Wet Ground Solution: It is a perfect choice for the edges of ponds, low-lying areas of the yard, or rain gardens.
Aggressive spreader: Can be difficult to eliminate if it spreads to unwanted areas. Spreads by rhizomes. Pick a planting site with this in mind.
Early Season Growth: As a cool-season grass, it provides early green-up and cover for wildlife emerging in the spring.
Habitat: While wind-pollinated, the dense mats provide essential shelter for ground-nesting beneficial insects.
Pro Tip: To harvest for scent, wait until the blades are long and vibrant in mid-summer. Cut the grass, let it wilt slightly, and then braid it while it is still flexible. As it dries, the braid will hold its sweet, vanilla-like fragrance for months!
A plant steeped in history and cherished for its scent, Sweet Grass is one of the most beloved native grasses in North America. Its name comes from the sweet, vanilla-like fragrance produced by the coumarin in its leaves, which becomes especially potent when the grass is dried or crushed. Many North American indigenous cultures burn Sweet Grass in ceremonies to invite the presence of good spirits.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs High; prefers consistently moist to wet soil.
Soil Type rich Muck, moist Clay, Loam or Sandy soils; thrives near water sources.
Mature Height 1 – 2 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time May – July
Plant Spacing 1 – 2 feet (Spreads to fill gaps).
Signature Scent: Unlike most grasses, Sweet Grass produces a sweet aroma when rubbing the leaves.
Wet Ground Solution: It is a perfect choice for the edges of ponds, low-lying areas of the yard, or rain gardens.
Aggressive spreader: Can be difficult to eliminate if it spreads to unwanted areas. Spreads by rhizomes. Pick a planting site with this in mind.
Early Season Growth: As a cool-season grass, it provides early green-up and cover for wildlife emerging in the spring.
Habitat: While wind-pollinated, the dense mats provide essential shelter for ground-nesting beneficial insects.
Pro Tip: To harvest for scent, wait until the blades are long and vibrant in mid-summer. Cut the grass, let it wilt slightly, and then braid it while it is still flexible. As it dries, the braid will hold its sweet, vanilla-like fragrance for months!