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Sweet Vernal-grass

Anthoxanthum odoratum

Found in lawns, roadsides, disturbed areas. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Northern Tier edition What its natural habitat tells you

-30
Harmful

Not native to West Virginia. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 76%

Height
1 foot 8 inches–3 feet
Spread
1–2 feet
Light
Dappled sunlight, Full sun
Soil moisture
Somewhat dry to moist
See native alternatives

Do not plant. Listed invasive in West Virginia.

Plant this instead

Choose your county to list local plants first.

  • Swan's Sedge
    Carex swanii

    Sun: Partial shade, Full shade, Full sun. Soil: Dry to wet. Flowers: Not applicable.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

  • Reflexed Sedge
    Carex retroflexa

    Sun: Partial shade, Full shade, Full sun. Soil: Dry to moist. Flowers: Green.

    Similar growth form, height, bloom season

  • Crested Sedge
    Carex cristatella

    Sun: Full sun to part shade. Soil: Average to wet. Flowers: Green.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

Refine these alternatives in the finder

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At a glance

Life cycle
Annual or perennial
Bloom
April to July

Not yet recorded · Leaves

Recorded in 11 West Virginia counties.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

—CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including WV
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Poaceae
Hardiness
Zones 5a–9b
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline
Flower color
Brown/copper or yellow

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Sweet Vernal Grass; Sweet Vernalgrass

Conservation status

West Virginia rankSNA
Global rankGNR
WV statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources