Hairy Woodland Brome

(Bromus pubescens)

Hairy Woodland Brome (Bromus pubescens)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Bromus pubescens, commonly known as Hairy Woodland Brome or Hairy Wood Chess, is a perennial grass that thrives in a variety of habitats including deciduous forests, forest clearings, and grasslands. It is native to a broad region encompassing the eastern and central United States, extending into parts of Canada such as Québec and Ontario, and surprisingly also found in Arizona. This species typically reaches up to 4 feet in height and features leaf blades that can grow up to 12 inches long. The drooping spikelets of Hairy Woodland Brome are quite distinctive, giving it a unique appearance in its native ecosystems.

Hairy Woodland Brome is appreciated for its adaptability to different soil types and its tolerance of both shade and sun, making it a versatile choice for naturalistic plantings and restoration projects. It is often used in woodland gardens, meadows, and as a component in native grass mixes. While it is not a high-maintenance grass, it does best with moderate moisture and well-drained soils. Its ability to grow in part shade allows it to be used under the canopy of larger trees or in open sunny areas. Gardeners should note that while it is not typically aggressive, it can self-seed and spread in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 1.3-3.3 feet
  • Width: 1-1.6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Erosion Control, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to deciduous forests, forest clearings, and grasslands in the eastern and central United States, parts of Canada, and Arizona

Other Names

Common Names: Hairy Brome, Hairy Wood Brome Grass, Hairy Woodland Brome, Hairy Chess

Scientific Names: , Bromus pubescens, Bromopsis pubescens, Bromus ciliatus f. laeviglumis, Bromus ciliatus subsp. laeviglumis, Bromus ciliatus subsp. laeviglumis, Bromus ciliatus var. laeviglumis, Bromus ciliatus var. laeviglumis, Bromus hookeri subsp. pubescens, Bromus hookeri var. pubescens

GBIF Accepted Name: