Scented Holy Grass

Botanical name: Anthoxanthum redolens
Synonym: Hierochloe redolens
Common name(s): Scented Holy Grass, Kāretu

Plant facts:
A fragrant native grass valued for its sweet-scented foliage and graceful nodding flower heads. Kāretu is one of New Zealand’s few naturally aromatic grasses and has long been appreciated for its pleasant vanilla-like scent released when crushed or dried.

Natural habitat:
Occurs naturally in open tussock grasslands, lowland to montane grasslands, and dry open habitats throughout much of New Zealand.

Growing environment:
Full sun, Open sites, Free draining & Wind tolerant.
Prefers open airy situations with moderate moisture and well-drained soils.

Indigenous distribution:
Indigenous to New Zealand, Australia, New Guinea, and South America.
In New Zealand it occurs throughout the North, South, Chatham, and Three Kings Islands, though uncommon north of Rotorua.

Height:
Approximately 60 cm–1.3 m tall

Width:
Forms robust loose clumps approximately 50–80 cm across

Flowering:
Spring to summer
Produces elegant nodding panicles with pale straw-coloured awned florets.

Fruiting:
Summer to autumn

Uses:

• Native meadow plantings
• Dry grassland restoration
• Fragrant native gardens
• Habitat and biodiversity plantings
• Naturalistic landscaping
• Traditional cultural use

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A robust loosely tufted perennial grass with arching foliage and elegant nodding flower stems.

Leaves:
Leaves are broad, soft, and strongly scented when crushed, often releasing a sweet hay or vanilla-like fragrance.

Flower heads:
Flowering panicles are open and airy with delicate drooping branches carrying densely clustered spikelets.

Seed heads:
Seed heads become pale straw-coloured with fine awns that catch the light and move gracefully in the wind.

Ecology:
A naturally occurring grassland species adapted to open habitats and periodic disturbance. Its seeds are dispersed by both wind and water, allowing it to colonise exposed grassland environments.

Cultural significance:
Kāretu has traditional significance in Māori culture due to its sweet fragrance. Dried foliage was historically used for scenting woven items and stored belongings.

How to grow:
Best grown in full sun with good airflow and free-draining soil. Tolerates a wide range of conditions once established but performs best in open grassland-style plantings with moderate moisture.

Propagation:
Can be grown from fresh seed or by division of established clumps.

Garden value:
An elegant ornamental native grass prized for its fragrance, movement, and soft natural appearance. Particularly attractive planted in drifts amongst dryland natives and meadow-style gardens.