Anthoxanthum odoratum

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Anthoxanthum odoratum
Also known as: Sweet Vernal Grass

Plant Properties

Layer: Soil
Format: Smal
Height: 0.50 m
Width: 0.30 m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 7-8
Soil Moisture:
Moist, Permeable
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acid Neutral Basic
Light:
Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Tea, Seed
Edibility:
(2)
Medicinal:
(2)
Features:

Description

Anthoxanthum odoratum, also known as sweet vernal grass or bent grass, is a beautiful perennial plant that belongs to the grass family (Poaceae). This plant is known for its delicate appearance and pleasant fragrance. Here is a description of Anthoxanthum odoratum: Appearance: Anthoxanthum odoratum is a perennial plant that grows in dense mats of grass-like green. It has fine, elongated leaves with a bright green color and soft texture. The flower heads consist of compact, upright spikes that extend above the foliage. Fragrance: As the name suggests, Anthoxanthum odoratum has a sweet scent reminiscent of freshly mown hay. This fragrance is particularly released when the plant is disturbed or when the flower heads are touched. Blooming: Anthoxanthum odoratum typically blooms from late spring to early summer, depending on the location and climate. The flowers are small and subtle, but together they form compact spikes that give the plant a charming appearance. Habitat: Anthoxanthum odoratum thrives best in moist, well-drained soils and can grow in both full sun and partial shade. You can find this plant in grasslands, meadows, woodland edges, and along paths and roads. Uses: Due to its attractive appearance and fine scent, Anthoxanthum odoratum is often used as ground cover in gardens and landscape designs. It can also be a part of wildflower meadows or natural garden plots. Anthoxanthum odoratum is a valuable addition to gardens because of its aesthetics and pleasant fragrance, and it is beloved by gardeners seeking natural beauty and simplicity.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 15/06
End of Harvest: 15/08

Guilds

Guild Information

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Guild Details

Guild Description
Malus domestica
Apple
Attracts pollinators and potential pest control agents.
Malus sylvestris
Crab Apple, European crab apple
Contributes to soil health and provides fruit.
Diospyros kaki
Persimmon
Provides shade and improves microclimate for Anthoxanthum odoratum.
Diospyros virginiana
American Persimmon
Supports wildlife and enhances biodiversity.
Ficus carica
Fig
Offers ground cover and helps suppress weeds.
Arbutus unedoxaera
Strawberry Tree
Provides shade and helps maintain soil moisture.
Asimina triloba
Papaw
Attracts pollinators, improving fruit set.
Broussonetia kazinoki
Kozo
Improves soil structure and increases organic matter.
Broussonetia papyrifera
Paper Mulberry
Provides habitat for beneficial insects.
Cudrania tricuspidata
Silkworm Thorn, Storehousebush
Adds nitrogen to the soil, enriching its fertility.
Cydonia oblonga
Quince
Offers edible fruit, attracting foragers.
Prunus domestica
Plum
Adds beauty with flowers and fruits, attracting beneficial insects.
Prunus persica
Peach
Increases organic matter in the soil with yearly leaf fall.
Rubus idaeus
Raspberry
Provides food for wildlife and covers the ground.
Tilia americana
Basswood
Attracts pollinators and improves air quality.
Viburnum opulus
Highbush cranberry
Enhances biodiversity and provides fruits for birds.
Vaccinium corymbosum
Northern blueberry
Adds edible berries and attracts a variety of pollinators.
Lonicera japonica
Japanese Honeysuckle
Provides nectar for pollinators, creating a healthy ecosystem.
Morus australis
Korean Mulberry, Aino Mulberry
Repels pests while providing aromatic ground cover.
Thymus vulgaris
Common Thyme, Garden thyme, Wild Thyme
Attracts beneficial insects while enhancing flavor in cooking.