Sweetgrass (Anthoxanthum nitens), previously known as Hierochloe odarata holds a profound significance in many Indigenous cultures. It is commonly used in ceremony or representation and is often part of the four sacred medicines along with tobacco, cedar and sage. It belongs to the genus Anthoxanthum, which contains around fifty species that grow in temperate and arctic regions around the world. As it has global distribution, has been used by both interacting and non-interacting cultures, it is considered a cultural keystone species. Many cultural practices, traditions and teachings have depended on and do depend on this species around the world.
This hardy cool-season grass thrives in diverse habitats and is circumpolar in distribution. It thrives in many diverse habitats but is native to northern Eurasia, Greenland, Iceland, Canada and the United States (except in the south-central and southeastern regions). This plant needs full sun, moist soil and is hardy to zone 3.
This perennial grass contains coumarin, which is emitted when the plants are disturbed, such as by drying or burning. It is used by Indigenous peoples across North America, with each community having slightly different beliefs about this sweet-smelling plant. Sweetgrass is one of the four plants considered sacred to Indigenous, Inuit and Métis Peoples. It is known for its sweet scent, which intensifies when it rains or when burned. It is usually associated with the Prairies but is found in many different growing conditions, from low meadows and clearings in forests along waterways to subalpine and alpine zones.
Use of sweetgrass is primarily utilized by the indigenous nations of the Interior Plains. The Anishinaabe Nation believe that sweet grass is the sacred hair of O’gushnan, Mother Earth. When harvested, it is often braided, with the three sections representing mind, body and soul. Some other communities believe that the three sections of the braid represent love, kindness and honesty. The Mi’kmaq, who are indigenous to Atlantic Canada, traditionally use sweetgrass for ceremonial smudges, braiding and embellishments on basketry. It is commonly believed that the smoke of sweetgrass will purify thoughts and clear away negative energy. On Vancouver Island, ancestral practices are deeply rooted in cedar and local forest medicines.
This grass has flat, bright green leaves and will grow up to half a metre in height and sometimes even taller with good water and warm temperatures. It has an indescribable fragrance that is somehow a blend of vanilla and freshly cut grass. The scent is unique and unforgettable. When I water the sweetgrass that I grow, it emits this fragrance that spurs many memories. Sweetgrass is a perennial and does produce seeds, but is better propagated by division as it spreads and reproduces through long, underground roots.
It is generally harvested in late June or early July by cutting it close to the ground. It is not acceptable to harvest more than is needed, nor damaging the clump while harvesting. Traditionally, it is laid out in the sun for about six hours and once it is thoroughly dried, it can be braided, used to make baskets or for use in other ceremonial rituals.
After harvesting sweetgrass and letting it dry, I have been taught by a good friend who was a Cree Elder that sweetgrass helps us to heal and reconnect with our ancestors. The traditional twenty-one strands in the braid have significant meaning. The first seven strands that form the first section of the braid represent the seven generations behind us. The second section of seven strands represents the seven sacred teachings – love, respect, honesty, courage, wisdom, truth and humility. The third section represents the seven generations still to come. Altogether, the braid reminds us that we are all connected – to everyone and everything in the past, the present and the future. To understand that all things in life are interwoven, and that change can only happen right here in the present and that in the present time is the only time we can heal and make a good path to the future.
Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com, on Facebook @orchidhort and on Instagram at #orchidhort.
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