Sweet Vernalgrass

Scientific Name - Anthoxanthum odoratum L.
Family - Gramineae

Tufted winter annual or perennial. Leaves smooth or hairy on both surfaces. Leaf sheath with thin marginal membrane. Visible membranous ligule at base of leaf blade. Seed heads"spike-like" with awned spikelets. Pleasant, sweet aroma when crushed. Reproduces by seed. Found from Illinois, south throughout the southeastern United States, except Florida. Also found in Arkansas, California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii. Also occurs in Central and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.