Sweet vernal (Anthoxanthum odoratum)

A long-lived, early flowering perennial grass which was commonly included in seed mixes in earlier years. Still persists in some older dryland pastures.

   

Identification

Bluish, elongated leaves are sparsely hairy. Where the leaf sheath meets the blade there is a small membranous structure 1-5 mm long.

 

Characteristics

 

When crushed, the leaves give off a strong coumarin scent (smell of freshly mown grass).