Sweetgrass, also known as holy grass, is one of the four sacred herbs of many First Nations and has long been used in ceremonies for peace and healing. Its sweet, vanilla-like scent comes from coumarin and is often described as calming and meditative.
Producing stands of long, satiny green ribbons that should be cut to prevent the plant from dying back, sweetgrass can be used to scent linens and clothing when dried, or tightly braided and burned as incense or woven into small crafts.
This hardy perennial forms long, silky green blades that should be harvested regularly by cutting—not pulling—to keep plants healthy. It grows best in fertile, evenly moist soil in full sun and will tolerate part shade. Sweetgrass spreads by its roots and can be vigorous, but deer tend to leave it alone.
Common Name: Sweetgrass
Latin Name: Anthoxanthum nitens
H x W: 1-2’
Light Requirements: Sun to part shade
Habit: Ground Cover
Plant Uses: Leaves
Sweetgrass, also known as holy grass, is one of the four sacred herbs of many First Nations and has long been used in ceremonies for peace and healing. Its sweet, vanilla-like scent comes from coumarin and is often described as calming and meditative.
Producing stands of long, satiny green ribbons that should be cut to prevent the plant from dying back, sweetgrass can be used to scent linens and clothing when dried, or tightly braided and burned as incense or woven into small crafts.
This hardy perennial forms long, silky green blades that should be harvested regularly by cutting—not pulling—to keep plants healthy. It grows best in fertile, evenly moist soil in full sun and will tolerate part shade. Sweetgrass spreads by its roots and can be vigorous, but deer tend to leave it alone.
Common Name: Sweetgrass
Latin Name: Anthoxanthum nitens
H x W: 1-2’
Light Requirements: Sun to part shade
Habit: Ground Cover
Plant Uses: Leaves
