Sweetgrass is a fragrant grass sacred to many Indigenous peoples of North America, used for centuries in basketry, smudging ceremonies, and medicine. Its long, flat leaves contain coumarin compounds that give off a sweet vanilla-like scent when dried. Found across northern North America and circumboreal regions, it grows in moist meadows and prairie wetlands. Sweetgrass populations have declined in many areas due to habitat loss and overharvesting.
Best time to see a Sweetgrass
The best time to see a Sweetgrass is April–May, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 429 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Sweetgrass? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Sweetgrass sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Sweetgrass?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.