Vernal Grass

Vernal Grass, SWEET (Anthoxanthum odoratum), common in Britain and throughout Europe and the northern parts of the world, is about a foot high, with spiked oblong panicle. It is relished by cattle, and is sown along with other grasses to form permanent pastures. The pleasant smell of newly-mown hay is often chiefly owing to this grass, which is fragrant when drying, and contains Coumarin (q.v.). It yields by distillation an essential oil of an agreeable odour. The straw is of use for the finest kinds of straw-plaiting.