Botanical profile

Scentless hay

Latin name
*Anthoxanthum nitens*
Common name
What about the smell?
Type
Perennial aromatic grass
Family
Poaceae

Sweetgrass is a perennial aromatic grass highly valued for its flexible, green, and fragrant foliage, which emits a sweet, vanilla-like scent when dried. Its natural and light habit blends well into medicinal herb gardens, naturalized landscapes, rustic borders, and spaces where one wishes to add a native plant with a unique character. It brings fine texture, movement, and a discreet but very distinctive presence to the garden.

Easy to grow, sweetgrass prefers a location in sun or partial shade, in fresh to moist, fertile, and well-drained soil. It can be planted in the ground, along garden borders, near a damp area, or in a naturalized setting where it can form an elegant clump over the seasons. The foliage can be harvested once the plant is well-developed, then dried to fully enjoy its sweet and aromatic fragrance.

Traditionally recognized as a medicinal, aromatic, and cultural plant, sweetgrass is primarily sought after for its unique fragrance, decorative foliage, and its appeal in natural gardens. It also attracts certain beneficial insects and contributes to enriching the biodiversity of landscapes. It is an ideal plant for gardeners who wish to incorporate a fragrant, durable, and symbolic grass into an herb garden, a naturalized space, or a collection of useful plants.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Sweet aromatic foliage traditionally used in weaving and scented bouquets
Natural garden, wet border, meadow, container, dried bouquets, weaving
Container growing
Possible to grow in a large, moist container
Seasonal care
Harvest leaves in summer for drying; divide clumps in spring; control its spread by rhizomes as needed
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 3
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Regularly; keep the soil moist but not soggy
Humidity
Average to high humidity; prefers cool to moist soil
Fertilization
Light compost in spring; generally low fertilization
Soil type
Fresh to moist, fertile, and well-drained soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Minimum temperature
-30°C
Propagation method
Division of rhizomes or seedlings
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Late Spring to Summer
Flower color
Pale green to golden brown
Fruiting
Fine seeds in summer
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Spreading rhizomatous clump
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches)
Width
45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 inches)
Growth rate
Average growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Iris versicolor, sedge, mint, bee balms
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
Leaves in summer for drying or braiding
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.