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Grass Like
Anthoxanthum odoratum
sweet vernal grass
A short-lived, perennial meadow grass forming loose clumps of short, relatively broad leaves. The unbranched flower spikes appear early, in late spring or early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Anthoxanthum are annual or perennial grasses, smelling strongly of new-mown hay when crushed or dried
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in virtually any soil that is not waterlogged. Individual plants are short-lived, so allow it to self-seed
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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