Holy Grass (Hierochloe odorata)

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

Hierochloe odorata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in sweets and soft drinks. — Small and fiddly to use.; It almost certainly does not contain coumarin and should be safe to use.; An essential oil from the leaves is used as a food flavouring in sweets and soft drinks.; It has a strong vanilla-like flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Wet banks in only a few sites in Scotland. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)