Anthoxanthum nitens, or sweetgrass, in a sweet smelling grass native to North America and northern Eurasia. It is distributed throughout the Western US and populations can be found across Oregon. The leaves lack a rigid stem and so the plant has a low-lying cascading habit.

As the common name suggests, the grass smells sweetly of vanilla, especially on warm days. The grass is used for basketry and as an herb, incense, and perfume by Indigenous and First Nations people in North America.

It is not picky about soil type, but wild populations occur in dunes and along salt marshes. As a garden plant, additional summer watering will keep it robust and green. Will spread slowly via rhizomes.

 *not to be confused with Anthoxanthum odoratum

Water Use: Medium

Light Requirement: Sun to part shade

Soil Moisture: Damp to occasionally dry

Soil type: Sand, clay, loam

Soil pH: 6-8

Drought Tolerance: Moderate

Perennial