California Brome

(Bromus carinatus)

California Brome (Bromus carinatus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Bromus carinatus, commonly known as California Brome, is a semi-deciduous perennial grass native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and meadows in the Western USA, including the Intermountain region, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and Central America. It can grow from 0.5 to 1.5 meters tall, forming dense clumps with narrow leaves that can reach up to 40 centimeters in length. The inflorescence is a spreading or drooping array of flat spikelets that are longer than they are wide. California Brome is wind-pollinated and can exhibit cleistogamy, self-pollinating under stressful conditions, and it also reproduces vegetatively through tillers.

California Brome is valued for its ability to control erosion and revegetate damaged land. It is considered a highly palatable forage for livestock, making it a beneficial plant in pasture management. However, it can become invasive in agricultural settings, outcompeting crops and native species. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, preferring soils with fast to medium drainage. It is not particularly demanding in terms of soil fertility, making it a versatile species for restoration projects. Gardeners may use it as an ornamental grass for naturalistic plantings, and it is also useful in wildlife gardens, as it provides habitat and food for various species.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 1.5-4.5 feet
  • Width: 0.333-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, grasslands, and meadows in the Western USA, Intermountain region, Canada, Mexico, and Central America

Other Names

Common Names: Sweet Brome , Plattährige Trespe , 성긴이삭풀 , 長芒扁雀麥;顯脊雀麥 , Xian Ji Que Mai , Mountain Brome

Scientific Names: Bromus carinatus , Bromus carinatus var. carinatus , Bromus californicus , Ceratochloa carinata , Bromus compressus , Bromus laciniatus , Bromus carinatus var. californicus , Bromus virens , Bromus sitchensis var. carinatus , Bromus hookerianus

GBIF Accepted Name: Bromus carinatus Hook. & Arn.