Holy-grass
Anthoxanthum nitens
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Holy-grass (Anthoxanthum nitens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 30 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Holy-grass is a native perennial grass that forms compact clumps with fine-textured foliage reaching 12-24 inches tall. It produces fragrant flower spikes in late spring and early summer, then remains as attractive green foliage through the growing season. This well-behaved grass works well in sunny locations with average moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
Holy-grass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Goes dormant in winter like other deciduous grasses
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and beetles during the late spring bloom period. As a native grass, it provides habitat structure for beneficial insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Holy-grass need?
- Holy-grass grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Holy-grass bloom?
- Holy-grass blooms in May and June.
- Where is Holy-grass native?
- Holy-grass (Anthoxanthum nitens) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 30 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Holy-grass attract?
- Holy-grass draws bees and beetles.
- Is Holy-grass HOA-friendly?
- Holy-grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Holy-grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz