Sweet Grass

A genus of 15 species of fragrant, perennial grasses, occuring mainly in temperate regions, and closely related to Anthoxanthum (See, sweet vernal grass) with which it shares the same characteristic scent of new-mown hay when dried. Heirochloë odorata (holy grass), is found in damp, grassy places in colder parts of both hemispheres. It was held sacred to the Virgin, and was burned in New Mexico as incense, and was used to scent clothes laid at church doors during festivals in C Europe. Hierochloë odorata contains glycosides, which on drying produce coumarin, a sweet-smelling, crystalline compound important in perfumery. Coumarin was synthesized from tar in 1868 but is still in demand from natural sources. More than 100 different coumarins are known.

Vigorous, tuft-forming, deciduous perennial with pointed, flat, linear leaves, 0.5cm (¼in) wide. Pyramidal panicles of ovate, brown spikelets appear in spring.

Common Name:	Sweet Grass
Other Names:	Holy grass, Vanilla grass, zubrovka
Botanical Name:	Hierohloë odorata syn. H. borealis.
Genus:	Hierochloë
Family:	Poaceae
Native Location:	Circumboreal
Cultivation:	Well-drained, moisture-retentive soil in sun.
Propagation:	By division of rhizomes in spring and summer.
Harvest:	Leaves are cut in summer, dried, and stored whole, or distilled for oil.
Height:	25-50cm (10-20in)
Width:	40-60cm (16-24in)
Hardiness:	Z3-9
Parts Used:	Leaves, oil.
Properties:	An aromatic herb, with a strong vanilla scent, that acts as an excitant in perfumes and as a fixative for other scents.
Economic Uses:	Leaves are added to vodka as a flavoring (Poland). They are also in demand for basket weaving. Oil is used to flavor candy, soft drinks, and tobacco. Essential oil is used in perfumery.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pp 235-236