Anthoxanthum odoratum

RHS Plant Profile
sweet vernal grass
sweet vernal grass RHS

Other common names

spring grass, vernal grass, chwyth yr ŵydd

Grass Like

A short-lived, perennial meadow grass forming loose clumps of short, relatively broad leaves. The unbranched flower spikes appear early, in late spring or early summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Anthoxanthum are annual or perennial grasses, smelling strongly of new-mown hay when crushed or dried
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Eurasia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Will grow in virtually any soil that is not waterlogged. Individual plants are short-lived, so allow it to self-seed

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildflower meadow

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free