Vetiver is a perennial fragrant bunching grass similar to lemongrass, and native to Tamil Nadu in India. This large grass species is grown for several different uses. As an erosion control and animal feed, the long taproots (up to 13 feet) will firmly anchor soils and hillsides in place and can be made into fiber mats

Vetiver is a perennial fragrant bunching grass similar to lemongrass, and native to Tamil Nadu in India. This large grass species is grown for several different uses. As an erosion control and animal feed, the long taproots (up to 13 feet) will firmly anchor soils and hillsides in place and can be made into fiber mats and ropes, and the large leaves provide useful forage for livestock and thatch for houses.

Traditionally the roots are used in Aruvedic medicine, and an essence distilled from the roots is used to flavor cold drinks, sherbets, lassis, perfumes and soaps. The fragrance has been compared to mild sandalwood, and because of its excellent fixative properties is included in most men’s colognes in the West.

Vetiver grass can grow to be up to 5 feet tall, and is highly drought resistant. In addition, the underground crown makes it resistant to wildfires, and these plants can be flooded with water for up to two months and still survive. Because of this tenacity, fertile vetiver easily become invasive, and so to avoid this most types grown agriculturally are sterile.

Growth Form: Bunching grass, up to 5’x5’

Light: part-full sun

Water: drought tolerant once established

Soil: well-drained loam

Hardiness: USDA zones 8-10

Perennial

Vetiver is a perennial fragrant bunching grass similar to lemongrass, and native to Tamil Nadu in India. This large grass species is grown for several different uses. As an erosion control and animal feed, the long taproots (up to 13 feet) will firmly anchor soils and hillsides in place and can be made into fiber mats and ropes, and the large leaves provide useful forage for livestock and thatch for houses. Traditionally the roots are used in Aruvedic medicine, and an essence distilled from the roots is used to flavor cold drinks, sherbets, lassis, perfumes and soaps. The fragrance has been compared to mild sandalwood, and because of its excellent fixative properties is included in most men’s colognes in the West. Vetiver grass can grow to be up to 5 feet tall, and is highly drought resistant. In addition, the underground crown makes it resistant to wildfires, and these plants can be flooded with water for up to two months and still survive. Because of this tenacity, fertile vetiver easily become invasive, and so to avoid this most types grown agriculturally are sterile. Growth Form: Bunching grass, up to 5’x5’ Light: part-full sun Water: drought tolerant once established Soil: well-drained loam Hardiness: USDA zones 8-10 Perennial

Research on Vetiver Grass used in Landscape Architecture

Vetiver Grass — Drylands Farming Company

Erosion and runoff reduction potential of vetiver grass for hill slopes: A physical model study - ScienceDirect

Vetiver Grass — Drylands Farming Company

VETIVER NEWSLETTER - APRIL 2023 - The Vetiver Network International

Vetiver Grass - Vetiver Grass - Wholesale Price For Vetiver Grass In India (G22) Manufacturer from New Delhi

Landslides and Erosion Control Measures by Vetiver System

Ongzi's SecretGarden: Chrysopogon zizanioides - vetiver grass

Vetiver Grass - Green Meadow Growers

Vetiver Vanya Organic

Vetiver Grass -- Chrysopogon zizanioides – Pans Garden Nursery

HORT 282 :: Lecture 11