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Hierochloe (odorata)

John P. Morgan
President
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
PO Box 10, 0043E - 82nd Road N
Argyle, Manitoba R0C0B0
204-467-9371
john01@xplornet.com
www.rsabg.org

Family Scientific Name: Graminae
Family Common Name: Grasses
Scientific Name: Hierochloe odorata
Common Name: Sweet Grass
Ecotype: Local Manitoba
General Distribution: Central & northern North America
Known Invasiveness: Can spread by rhizomes in seasonally moist areas, rarely by seed
Propagation Goal: seeds
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: Local
Time To Grow: 3 Months
Target Specifications: To grow transplantable seedlings that will survive on their own
Propagule Collection: Seed should be collected fresh in June & early July
Propagule Processing: None if planted immediately, drying if stored
Pre-Planting Treatments: None for fresh seed;
Cold moist stratification at 4 degrees C, 40 degrees F, for dried seed for 8 weeks
Growing Area Preparation/
Annual Practices for Perennial Crops:
Clean weed free planting area, moist
Establishment Phase: Same
Length of Establishment Phase: 1-2 growing seasons
Active Growth Phase: Long-lived perennial
Length of Active Growth Phase: Unknown - many years
Hardening Phase: 1 week if placing out from greenhouse propagation - gradually expose to increasing sun & wind, decreasing moisture
Length of Hardening Phase: 1 week
Harvesting, Storage and Shipping: Seed to be harvested late June - early July in Manitoba latitude 50 degrees
Length of Storage: Can be stored cool & dry for ~ 2-4 years without too much loss of viability
Other Comments: Easy to grow from root cuttings & offshoots from parent plants; very fragrant; native peoples consider this grass to have been the first species to cover the earth & a good purifier; seed & mature plants very difficult to find after mid summer as other grasses & forbs often get taller & hide it
References: 20+ years greenhouse experience with this species in Manitoba, Canada

Citation:

Morgan, John P.. 2010. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Hierochloe odorata seeds Local; Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Argyle, Manitoba. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2024/07/23). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.