Poaceae
Holy-grass
Anthoxanthum nitens
Also known as Savastana nashii, Hierochloe odorata subsp. kolymensis, Vanilla grass, Anthoxanthum nitens subsp. balticum
Zones 5–9Sun Partial SunWater ModerateCare Low
Native Plants · Holy Grass · Fragrant · Vanilla Scent · Medicinal · Traditional · Cool Climate · Anthoxanthum · Aromatic
Pet-safeBeginner-friendlyMedicinalAttracts pollinators
Currently out of stock everywhereStock updated 9/6/2026
Holy-grass is a fragrant perennial grass traditionally valued for its sweet vanilla-like scent. It grows best in cool, moist conditions with partial shade. This hardy grass requires minimal maintenance and is historically significant in various cultures.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 4 hours
- Watering
- Water lightly, prefer slightly dry to moist soil · Every 7-14 days depending on rainfall
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Temperature
- -20°F to 95°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
Hardiness
USDA 5a-9b
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Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 18 in – 3 ft
- Spread
- 2 ft
- Spacing
- 8 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Afghanistan, Alaska, Alberta, Aleutian Is., Altay, Arizona, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Central European Rus, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Chita, Colorado, Connecticut
- Attracts
- Bees
Sources: trefle, usda
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