Sweetgrass
Heirachloe odorata
Family: Poaceae
Perennial. Circumpolar in distribution. Spreads joyfully as grasses
will do. This is the coumarin-rich grass used to make traditional
sweetgrass braids, developing its delicious scent upon drying. The braids
are used as-is to purify the air, or burned to bring prayers on high. Among
the Native Americans, the grass is chewed to give strength during fasting,
and the tea is used for treating vomiting, coughing, sore throats and bleeding.
Externally, used for treating sore eyes and saddle sores. Cultivation:
Easy. Sow on surface and press in, keeping moist until germination.
Plant prefers full sun, regular garden soil, frequent watering. Cold
hardy. Flowers golden to 2 feet.
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