Sweet Vernalgrass: The Fragrant European Grass That’s Made Itself at Home
If you’ve ever walked through a meadow and caught a whiff of something surprisingly sweet and vanilla-like, you might have encountered sweet vernalgrass. This charming perennial grass has quite the story – it’s traveled all the way from Europe and Asia to become a familiar sight across North America, from Alaska to Hawaii and everywhere in between.
What Exactly Is Sweet Vernalgrass?
Sweet vernalgrass (Anthoxanthum odoratum odoratum) is exactly what its name suggests – a grass with a delightfully sweet fragrance. This perennial graminoid belongs to the large family of grasses, sedges, and rushes, but it stands out from the crowd thanks to its distinctive scent. When you brush against it or mow it, the grass releases a lovely vanilla-hay aroma that’s unmistakable once you know it.
Where You’ll Find This Wandering Grass
Originally from Europe and Asia, sweet vernalgrass has become quite the world traveler. It’s now established across an impressive range of North American locations, including most US states from Alabama to Wisconsin, and Canadian provinces from British Columbia to Newfoundland. You’ll even find it in Alaska, Hawaii, and Greenland – talk about adaptable!
As a non-native species, sweet vernalgrass has proven remarkably successful at reproducing and persisting in the wild without any human help. It’s essentially become part of the naturalized landscape in many areas.
Should You Plant Sweet Vernalgrass?
Here’s where things get interesting. Sweet vernalgrass certainly has its charms – that wonderful fragrance, its ability to thrive in various conditions, and its delicate, airy appearance. However, since it’s not native to North America, it’s worth considering some alternatives first.
Reasons you might like sweet vernalgrass:
- Beautiful vanilla-like fragrance when cut or disturbed
- Low-maintenance perennial that adapts to many conditions
- Attractive in meadow gardens and naturalized landscapes
- Hardy across USDA zones 3-9
- Creates a soft, romantic look in cottage garden settings
Things to consider:
- It’s not native, so it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as native grasses
- Can self-seed readily and may spread more than intended
- Native alternatives might better support local wildlife and pollinators
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to sweet vernalgrass for its ornamental qualities, consider exploring native grass options that might provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local ecosystems. Your local native plant society or extension office can help you identify beautiful native grasses suitable for your specific region.
Growing Sweet Vernalgrass Successfully
If you do decide to grow sweet vernalgrass, you’ll find it refreshingly easy to please. This grass is quite forgiving and adaptable to various growing conditions.
Ideal growing conditions:
- Adaptable to various soil types
- Prefers cool, moist conditions but tolerates some drought
- Thrives in full sun to partial shade
- Hardy in USDA zones 3-9
Planting and care tips:
- Plant in spring or fall for best establishment
- Requires minimal maintenance once established
- Can be mowed or cut back in late winter
- May self-seed readily – remove seed heads if you want to control spread
- Monitor for aggressive spreading in ideal conditions
The Bottom Line
Sweet vernalgrass is undeniably charming with its delightful fragrance and graceful appearance. While it can certainly add appeal to meadow gardens and naturalized landscapes, remember that choosing native plants first helps support local wildlife and maintains regional ecosystem balance. If you do grow sweet vernalgrass, keep an eye on its tendency to self-seed and spread, and always consider what native treasures might work equally well in your garden.
Whatever you decide, take a moment to appreciate this well-traveled grass the next time you encounter its sweet perfume – it’s quite remarkable how a little European native has made itself so thoroughly at home across our diverse continent!
