| Common Name | Latin Name | Plant Family |
|---|---|---|
|
Sweet Vernal Grass |
Anthoxanthum odoratum |
Gramineae |
The aromatic leaves and dried flowers are used as a strewing herb, they are also woven into baskets[169, 257] and used in pot-pourri[238].
The plant contains coumarin – this is used medicinally and also in rat poisons where it prevents the blood from co-aggulating and thus means that the slightest cut can kill the rat[13].
Cultivation & Habitat
Seed – sow April in situ, only just covering the seed. The seed usually germinates in 2 – 3 weeks[134].
Division in spring. Very easy, it can be done successfully at almost any time of the year, though it is best to pot up the divisions in a cold frame if you are doing it outside the growing season.
Succeeds in most soils[200]. Dislikes shade.
This is one of the earliest grasses to flower in the year, it produces a lot of pollen and is a major irritant to people who suffer from hay fever[4].
The dried plant releases a strong and persistent fragrance with a refreshing pungent smell that is difficult to describe but is somewhat like newly-mown hay[245].
Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.
Become ungovernable, break the chains of the matrix; grow and forage your own food and medicine.
*None of the information on this website qualifies as professional medical advice. Take only what resonates with your heart and use your own personal responsibility for what’s best for you. For more information [brackets] [000], see bibliography.