Bromus sterilis L.

Barren Bromegrass, Poverty Brome

Category
Grass

Similar Species May be confused with the following native and/or non-native species. Landscape Alternatives lists native horticultural substitutes	Landscape Alternatives

Description

Height

This annual, tufted grass grows up to 20 inches (50 cm).

Leaves

The tops of the leaf blades are hairy while the underside is smooth. Leaves are typically droopy and are about 4-10 inches (5-25 cm) long and 0.08-0.4 in (2-10 mm) wide. The newest leaves are typically rolled, the ligules are toothed, and the sheath turns to a purple color at maturation.

Flowers

This grass has distinct open panicles that range in length from 4-10 inches (5-25 cm). Spikelets within the panicle contain 3-9 florets and long awns.

Fruit

Fruit production is the primary form of reproduction. An individual plant can produce up to 3,000 seeds.

Images

Photo: Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org
More images of Bromus sterilis

Life History

3. Habitat

This species is primarily listed as an agricultural weed in parts of Europe, the US, and Canada. However, it is also found in disturbed sites, like roadsides and abandoned areas, and more pristine sites, such as meadows and rock outcrops.

Origin & Distribution

Poverty Brome is native to Eurasia but has been introduced worldwide including in North Africa, the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand. This species is now found across most of North America, including the Pacific Northwest, desert southwest, mid-Atlantic and southeast, excluding Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and Louisiana.

Sources

Gary Oak Ecosystem Recovery Project. Field Manual: Invasive Species in Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems in BC. http://www.goert.ca/pubsinvasive.php

Grass Weed Database: Bromus sterilis
http://www.bayercropscience.com.mx/gwdsite/frameset.html?http://www.bayercropscience.com.mx/gwdsite/gwd/en/BROST.html

USDA PLANTS Database: Bromus sterilis L:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=BRSE

UK Wildflowers.com, Anisantha sterilis
http://www.ukwildflowers.com/Webpages/anisanthasterilisbarrenbrome.htm
Management Recommendations
Reported control techniques for this species are limited; current focus is on its removal in active wheat fields and not in native areas. Therefore, the suggestions below have not been rigorously tested in control of this species.
Mechanical Control
Cutting or Mowing: Because this is an annual species that propagates through seed production, annual cutting or mowing of populations before flowering may prevent fruit production. There are no reports of how long seeds remain viable in the seed bank, and management should continue yearly until no more adult plants are visible.