Contents
Description
Anthoxanthum, commonly known as sweet vernal grass, is a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae. It is a native to Eurasia and North Africa but has also been introduced to North America. The genus consists of about 18 species of annual and perennial grasses. Anthoxanthum has a distinctive sweet smell, which is why it is called sweet vernal grass. It is commonly used in pastures, meadows, and lawns.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Anthoxanthum |
Appearance
Anthoxanthum is a perennial grass that grows up to 60 cm tall. The leaves are flat and narrow, measuring 2-4 mm in width, and have a shiny, green color. The inflorescence is a dense, cylindrical spike, which is 2-8 cm long and 4-6 mm wide. The spikelets are compressed, oblong, and have two florets. Anthoxanthum has a sweet fragrance that is reminiscent of vanilla or coumarin.
Care Guide
Anthoxanthum is a low-maintenance grass that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this grass:
- Water: Anthoxanthum requires moderate watering. Water the grass when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: Anthoxanthum does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
- Soil: Anthoxanthum prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Sunlight: Anthoxanthum grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Anthoxanthum is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Anthoxanthum is considered to be a relatively disease-resistant grass. However, it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:
- Cutworms: These pests can cut the stems of Anthoxanthum at ground level, causing the plant to wither and die.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves of Anthoxanthum.
- Smuts: These fungal diseases can cause black masses to form on the flowers and seeds of Anthoxanthum.
Habitat
Anthoxanthum is commonly found in meadows, pastures, and lawns. It is a cool-season grass that grows best in temperate regions. Anthoxanthum prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. It is also tolerant of moderate drought.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the sweet smell of Anthoxanthum due to?
A: The sweet smell of Anthoxanthum is due to the presence of coumarin in the plant.
Q: How often should Anthoxanthum be watered?
A: Anthoxanthum should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Anthoxanthum?
A: Anthoxanthum is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect Anthoxanthum?
A: Cutworms, leaf spot, and smuts are some common pests and diseases that affect Anthoxanthum.
Related Plants
- Phleum pratense (Timothy grass)
- Festuca arundinacea (Tall fescue)
- Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass)
- Dactylis glomerata (Orchard grass)
References
- Flora of North America Editorial Committee. (2003). Flora of North America North of Mexico, Volume 25: Magnoliophyta: Commelinidae (in part): Poaceae, part 2. Oxford University Press.
- Rugge, K., & Schmid, B. (2016). Ecology of Anthoxanthum odoratum L. in Swiss grasslands: Effects of management and site factors. Flora, 224, 1-10.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Plant Guide: Sweet vernalgrass (Anthoxanthum odoratum L.). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_ano2.pdf
