This hardy perennial, sweetgrass, demonstrates exceptional adaptability, flourishing in the challenging conditions of the Arctic Circle. Its distinctive, stemless leaves initially grow to a modest height of approximately 20 cm, before spreading horizontally to lengths exceeding 100 cm by late summer. The leaf bases, located just beneath the soil, are broad, white, and devoid of hairs, while the undersides are shiny and smooth. A reddish-purple hue at the leaf base often indicates a phosphorus deficiency in the soil. Sweetgrass naturally produces phytol and coumarin, compounds that effectively repel mosquitoes. Harvesting for optimal fragrance and basketry suitability occurs during early to late summer, as frost diminishes its scent. The dried, brittle grass is then softened by soaking in warm water, braided, and re-dried. Indigenous communities throughout North America, including the Haudenosaunee, have long utilized sweetgrass for diverse purposes, including basket weaving, ceremonial smudging, incense production, and herbal remedies. It is also a core component of the “four sacred medicines” for many Plains and Prairie tribes. Primarily, it serves to attract benevolent spirits and ward off mosquitoes, earning the name “Hair of Mother Earth.” The sustainable practices surrounding sweetgrass harvesting are beautifully detailed in Robin Wall Kimmerer's book, “Braiding Sweetgrass.”

Distributions –
prairie; foothills; parkland; montane; boreal

Light –
full-sun

Bloom Period –
spring-to-summer

Height –
40 – 110 cm
16 – 43 in

Habitat –
Grasslands and moist areas in prairies such as wet meadows or sloughs.