• Anthoxanthum odoratum 'Sweet Vernal-grass' [Ex. Wiltshire, England] 500+ SEEDS

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    Anthoxanthum odoratum

    'Sweet Vernal-grass'

    [Ex. Wiltshire, England]

    Gramineae: perennial grass to between 30-45cm high with short, broad leaves and a flower head 4 -6 centimetres long consisting of oblong shaped spikelets all crowded round the stem. When young the flower head can be quite dark but as flower gives way to seed it turns yellowish. Anthoxanthum odoratum is an early flowering meadow grass, starting around April, it has the scent of freshly cut hay with a hint of vanilla, and this gives the plant its common name of sweet vernal-grass. Native to most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to North Africa and Western Asia.


    USES:

    The seed can be eaten, but they are very small and fiddly, a tea can also be made from the fresh or dried leaves, and has a sweet pleasant fragrance.

    The whole plant, and especially the flowering stems, has anticoagulant, antispasmodic and stimulant properties. It is normally only applied externally, where it is used in the treatment of rheumatic pain, chilblains, nervous insomnia. It is said that a tincture made from this grass with spirit of wine is an effective and immediate cure for hay fever.

    The aromatic leaves and dried flowers are used as a strewing herb, they are also woven into baskets, and used in pot-pourri. The plant contains coumarin which is used medicinally, and also in rat poisons where it prevents the blood from co-aggulating and thus means that the slightest cut can kill the rat.


    GROWING INFORMATION:

    Sow seeds in April in situ, only just covering the seed as they need light to germinate. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks. Succeeds in most soils but dislikes shade. Very easy.


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    APPROX. 500+ SEEDS