Sweetgrass

Hierochloë odorata — Growing, Wellness, Traditional Uses & Products With Purpose

Sweetgrass (Hierochloë odorata, also known botanically as Anthoxanthum nitens) is a fragrant perennial grass native to northern regions of North America and Eurasia. In Canada, it is especially important because of its longstanding cultural and spiritual significance to many Indigenous peoples.

Its long green leaves develop a distinctive sweet, warm, vanilla-like fragrance as they dry. This aroma is largely associated with coumarin, one of sweetgrass's best-known natural plant compounds.

Sweetgrass is particularly interesting from a health and wellness perspective because its value extends far beyond something that might be consumed. It demonstrates that wellness can involve what we grow, smell, create, learn, share and experience.

A small planting can eventually provide material for dried sweetgrass, braids, baskets and other woven crafts, aromatic items, educational activities and, where cult