Hierochloë hirta
‘good grass’
Ceremonial. Hilger says that this “sweet smelling grass” was burned to make the northern lights go away. The same plant was used to smudge the hoods of cradles before children were first placed in the cradle, but only in the case of boys.
Kroeber describes its use for an incense mixture in connection with the seven sacred medicine bags of the tribe, and also ceremonially in the biitohoowu’ age-grade ceremony. It was also attached ornamentally to ceremonial items in the biitohoowu’ ceremony, the Tomahawk Lodge ceremony, the Crazy Lodge ceremony, and the Dog Lodge ceremony. It was also found in personal medicine bags.
Food: spice. Sweetgrass is added to puppy stew when the Kingfisher Dance ceremony is performed. The use seems primarily ceremonial.