northern sweetgrass
Anthoxanthum nitens
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Foliage color
- Gray-green
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Northern sweetgrass (Anthoxanthum nitens) is a grass for meadow planting. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet soil. It spreads slowly by creeping rhizomes, so give it room. Dried leaves have a sweet vanilla-like scent. Feathery flower spikes appear in early summer and shimmer when the wind moves them.
Pairs well with Royal fern, Nodding onion, and Jewelweed.
Native range
CT, DE, MA, ME, and 11 more places. See all 15
CT, DE, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT; AB, BC, NB, NL, NS, ON, PE, and SK.