Hierochloe odorata (Holy Grass)

  • Plant Details

    Aspect: Full Sun

    Aspect: Light/Partial Shade

    Soil Type: Most Types

    Colour: Green & Purple

Hierochloe odorata (Holy Grass)

This wild grass is named Holy Grass and Vanilla Grass, due to the scent released when the foliage is crushed. It has been used for strewing on floors in times past to hide unpleasant odours. It has a wide native area, including Europe (including rarely in Britain), North America and the Arctic Circle.

The grass was strewn before church doors on saints' days in northern Europe,  because of the sweet smell that arose when it was trodden on. It was used in France to flavor candy, tobacco, soft drinks and perfumes. It was used to flavour tea in Russia.

Large flower/seed heads are held on 20cm stems

It will grow in most soils types, including dry and wet.

Height and spread: 20cm x 60cm

Common names: Holy Grass; Vanilla Grass



Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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