Holy Grass
Hierochloe odorata
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Hierochloe odorata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Wet banks in only a few sites in Scotland.
Central and northern Europe, including Britain, to N. Asia and N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed - cooked. Small and fiddly to use. It almost certainly does not contain coumarin and should be safe to use. An essential oil from the leaves is used as a food flavouring in sweets and soft drinks. It has a strong vanilla-like flavour. The leaves are added to vodka as a flavouring. The plant is said to be used as a colouring agent but no more details are given.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Colouring: edible dyes
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 2
A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers, coughs, sore throats, chafing and venereal infections. It is also used to stop vaginal bleeding and to expel afterbirth. The stems can be soaked in water and used to treat windburn and chapping and as an eyewash. Some caution is advised when using this plant internally, see the notes above on toxicity. The leaves are harvested in the summer and dried for later use. Smoke from the burning leaves has been inhaled in the treatment of colds.
Birthing aid: Used in facilitating birth, but not just to cause uterine contrctions.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.
VD: Used in the treatment of venereal disease
Other
Rating:
The dried leaves are used as an incense, they were formerly also used as a strewing herb and have been used as a stuffing in pillows and mattresses. They have also been used as an insect repellent in the clothes cupboard where they impart a nice smell to the clothes. The leaves are used to make aromatic baskets. The wet leaves can be sewn together, dried until they are tight and then resin used over the stitches to make a waterproof container. The leaves can be soaked in water to make a tonic hair wash. An essential oil distilled from the leaves is used in perfumery where it acts as an excitant and fixative for other aromas. The plant has a very aggressive root system and has been planted to stabilize banks.
Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
Hair: Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.
Incense: Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.
Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.
Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.
Strewing: Plants, usually aromatic, that are strewn on the floor to give a nice smell, repel insects etc.
Stuffing: Used in making soft toys, mattresses, pillows etc.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a damp position in a rich soil but succeeds in most soils including quite dry conditions. Grows best in a sunny position. The plants have a running root system and can spread aggressively when grown in suitable conditions. The plant, as it dries, emits a powerful scent of newly mown hay.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. If the seed is in short supply it can be sown in the cold frame in the spring. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. Division in spring or summer. Very simple, virtually any part of the root will regrow to make a new plant.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist, wet
Things to keep in mind
The plant contains coumarin, this is toxic if taken internally and is sometimes considered to be carcinogenic.
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
H. borealis.