Overview
Hierochloe odorata or Anthoxanthum nitens, is also know as buffalo grass, bison grass, holy grass, manna grass, Mary's grass, seneca grass, sweetgrass, or vanilla grass. Sweetgrass has traditionally been used by various Native American tribes as an incense (for purification, driving out negativity, and as an offering to spirits and ancestors), as a perfume, as a stuffing for pillows and mattresses, and as an insect repellent. Many non-Native Americans have grown fond of sweetgrass for its soothing, somewhat hypnotic vanilla-like fragrance, which can be an aid to meditative practices
Details
Most often braided and then moistened to release its sweet fragrance, or burned as incense. When burned, the plant smolders, producing clouds of fragrant smoke.