[Cal-IPC] Eurasia, Northern Africa native, Invasive: Anthoxanthum odoratum (sweet vernal grass) is a short-lived perennial grass (family Poaceae) that grows in hay fields, meadows, roadsides and along ditches. It is native to acidic grasslands of Eurasia and northern Africa. Leaves have a sweet scent, plants flower in late spring and early summer. Inflorescences are often dark in color; floret lemmas have projecting awns. Leaves are hairy and ligules are long and papery. Sweet vernal grass is locally common in coastal grasslands and along roadsides in northern California, particularly along the coast where it is also considered a beneficial forage plant. Anthoxanthum odoratum creates a dense surface root mat, can outcompete other grasses, and can inhibit germination of other plant. Cal-IPC Rating: Limited (contributed by Mary Ann Machi)