Growing Sweet Grass for Incense Braids

Sweet Grass (Hierochloe odorata) is an aromatic, cool-season perennial growing 10 to 24″ high and spreading about 2′ per year by underground rhizomes. Its natural habitat includes wetlands, prairies and savannas in wet and mesic (medium moisture) soils.

Many North American indigenous cultures burned sweet grass in ceremonies to invite the presence of good spirits. The Dakota name for Sweet Grass is Wachanga; Omaha is Pezhezonsta; Winnebago is Manuska and the Pawnee name is Kataru. In the past, the scientific names Torresia odorata and Savastana odorata have been used.

Sweet Grass prefers rich, moist soil but will grow in almost any soil that receives a minimum of half a day of sun. Sandy, well-drained sites will require mulch and watering during times of low rainfall. Add compost to sand or clay soils. The preferred pH range is 6-8. To start from seed, plant 1/4″ deep in pots containing sterilized potting soil. Plant in your area when large enough.

Keep in mind that Sweet Grass is very aggressive and difficult to eliminate if it spreads to areas where it is not wanted.

You may want to encircle the Sweet Grass with a 5′ wide pathway made of plastic covered with sand, pea gravel, sawdust, wood chips, paving stone or brick. A spacing of 2′x2′ will fill in solid in 1 year. Harvesting each year will stimulate the growth of rhizomes. After 1 year of growth, plugs may be taken to expand or establish additional plantings.

Avoid late fall planting as there may not be enough time to establish new roots to help withstand frost-heaving. Apply mulch after transplanting. At Prairie Moon, we use a 2″ thick layer of sawdust. Since sawdust may cause a temporary nitrogen shortage, spread compost or a high nitrogen substance prior to mulching. Watch carefully for the appearance of any other rhizome-forming grasses as once they are established, may be impossible to eliminate.

If Sweet Grass receives adequate rainfall or irrigation, it will actively grow from spring to fall. Harvesting can take place in summer or early fall. Early harvests may be more aromatic, but leaves will be shorter. Complete harvesting when you notice the foliage beginning to go dormant. The plant will lighten in color and will lose some of its scent.

As you are cutting, bundle grass in approximately 1 1/2″ in diameter with rubber bands. Hang in a dry, ventilated area out of sunlight.

Before braiding, reconstitute bundles by submerging in water only until thoroughly moistened and pliable enough to braid, but no longer than necessary.

Do not braid when overly wet as they may mold later on. Allow to dry thoroughly before storing. Store in a box with some air flow.

To finish off, use some strands of grass to replace the rubber bands on both ends!