Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Anthoxanthum odoratum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet pleasant fragrance. — The seed is very small and its use would be fiddly.; A tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves.; A sweet pleasant fragrance.; Some caution is advised, see notes at top of the page.

Habitat & North American Range

Meadows, woodland margins, heaths and moors on acid and basic soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)