Sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) is a perennial grass native to Eurasia but found in various parts of the world. Distinguished by its fine, green blades, and a relatively short stature, typically growing to about 20-75 cm in height, this grass is commonly found in meadows, pastures, and lawns. It flourishes in the early spring, presenting dense, spike-like panicles that are golden or pale green.
The scent profile of sweet vernal grass is notable; it contains coumarin, which imparts a fresh, sweet fragrance that is particularly strong when the grass is cut or dried. This fragrance is often described as warm and hay-like with hints of vanilla, making it distinct among grass varieties. In fact, the presence of coumarin is responsible for the characteristic sweet smell of freshly mowed hay and traditional hay-based preparations. This distinctive aroma makes sweet vernal grass a favored choice in scented landscaping and habitat restoration projects, as well as in the creation of natural fragrances and aromatic sachets.