Bromus catharticus, commonly known as rescuegrass, is a winter annual or biennial grass originally native to South America’s grasslands and open woodlands. It has since become naturalized in parts of Europe, Australia, and North America. Rescuegrass typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet and features densely hairy sheaths with smooth, or glabrous, culms. It produces a loose, open inflorescence with spikelets that are initially green but turn tan as they mature. Flowering usually occurs in the spring.

Rescuegrass is valued for its ability to establish quickly and provide ground cover, which can be useful for erosion control. However, its invasive potential should be carefully considered before planting. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established but can also handle moderate water conditions. Rescuegrass is not commonly used in ornamental gardening due to its invasive nature and is more often found in agricultural settings for grazing or as a temporary cover crop.CC BY-SA 4.0