Anthoxanthum Species, Buffalo Grass, Holy Grass, Mary’s Grass, Sweetgrass, Vanilla Grass

Anthoxanthumnitens

Family
Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Anthoxanthum (an-tho-ZAN-thum)
Species
nitens (NI-tens)
Synonym
Hierochloe odorata
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Herbaceous
Shiny/Glossy
Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Spacing
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
Pale Yellow
Pale Green
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
8.6 to 9.0 (strongly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
Seed Collecting
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Ceres, California

Oakland, California

Aurora, Illinois

Barbourville, Kentucky

Brookeville, Maryland

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Lincoln, Nebraska

Santa Teresa, New Mexico

Downingtown, Pennsylvania

Palouse, Washington

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Gardener's Notes:

6
positives
3
neutrals
0
negative
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R
Downingtown, PA | January 2014 | positive

I bought a plant in a tiny pot sent to me by mail order from Limerock Ornamental Grasses that was a nursery business in central PA until ...Read More

K
Saint Paul, MN | June 2011 | positive

I bought seeds collected from the Tribal Earth Alliance Native Wild Flower Farm (contact information unknown) in the spring of 2008 & the...Read More

C
Brookeville, MD (Zone 7a) | October 2004 | positive

Hierochloe odorata is different from Anthoxanthum odoratum. I don't know much about the latter but Hierochloe odorata does not produce sc...Read More

P
Oakland, CA | October 2004 | positive

i've been planting this grass [which is a native 'species of special concern' here in california] in front of basement air vents at house...Read More

N
Broadview, SK (Zone 3a) | October 2004 | neutral

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 germina...Read More

T
Mercer, PA (Zone 5a) | October 2004 | positive

Native grass used by a number of Indian tribes in ceremonies, as perfume or burned as incense. Wonderful vanilla scent. Can be invasive. ...Read More

D
Winnipeg, MB (Zone 3b) | May 2003 | neutral

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

R
| January 2003 | positive

Wonderful plant. Seed germination very unlikely - buy plugs. Scent not noticable until leaves are harvested and dried. Grass may be bra...Read More

S
Oklahoma City, OK (Zone 7a) | July 2002 | neutral

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

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