Sweet Vernal Grass • Anthoxanthum odoratum
Grasses
Conditions: Allergic rhinitis; allergic asthma; allergic conjunctivitis.
Symptoms: Itchy, stuffy, or runny nose; post-nasal drip; sneezing; itchy, red or watery eyes; asthmatic symptoms.
Physical description: Perennial grass with short rootstocks and tufted stems has dark green leaves; can grow up to 2 feet high.
Environmental factors: Found in meadows, pastures, sand dunes, hayfields, roadside verges; invasive species that can prevent the re-establishment of native species.
Cross-reactivity: Cross-reactivity within its genus, as well as with other grasses, including rye, canary, meadow, and Timothy.
References
- “Vernal.”Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vernal
- “Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum).” Pollen.com. https://www.pollen.com/research/genus/anthoxanthum
- “Plants Profile for Anthoxanthum odoratum (sweet vernalgrass).” USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ANOD
Did You Know?
Sweet vernal grass owes its “sweetness” to its coumarin-scented shoots, which are likened to the smell of new-mown hay and said to have a taste similar to caramel.
