- Anthoxanthum odoratum L. - Sweet Vernal Grass
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© Paul Hackney
© Alan Hill
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(Map updated: March 2008)
A very common grass, usually about a foot in height, of pastures, sand dunes, hayfields, roadside verges and many other grassy situations. The plant is sweetly-scented owing to a high content of a chemical substance called coumarin, which is largely responsible for the characteristic smell of new-mown grass and hay.
All names: Anthoxanthum odoratum L.; Anthoxanthum alpinum auct. non A. & D.Loeve