Sweet Vernal Grass

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©Anthoxanthum odoratum Russel Best CC2.5

Anthoxanthum odoratum

Perennial grass with coumarin-scented leaves. Tufted perennial grass to 80 cm, but generally 20-40 cm. Smooth yellowish green flat leaves to 20 cm long, and 2-4 cm wide. Scattered spreading hairs towards the leaf tip.

Details
Flora Type
Grasses
Distinctive Features

Introduced grass easily mistaken for a native species.

Biology

Perennial. Naturalised in native grasslands and native pastures, gardens, disturbed sites. Generally more common in woodlands than grasslands. Occurs in damp situations

Native Status
Introduced
Flowering Time

Sep-Jan

Taxonomy
Phylum
Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants)
Class
Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants)
Order
Poales
Family
Poaceae
Genus
Anthoxanthum
Species
odoratum

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

A widespread and common weed of lawns, pasture, cultivated areas and other disturbed sites. Occurrence associated with low fertility and potassium deficiency. Heavily scented due to coumarin, an aromatic compound. Minimal food value as a pasture species.

Interesting Facts
Native Status
Introduced