SafePlants

Fringed Brome (Bromus ciliatus)

Also known as fringed brome-grass, this plant is a species of brome grass native to North America.

Considerations for Pets

• Fringed brome grass has seeds that could be ingested by pets.

Considerations for Children

• Fringed brome grass has seeds that could be ingested by children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bromus ciliatus L.
• Common Name: Fringed Brome, Fringed Brome-grass, Fringe Brome
• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
• Genus: Bromus
• Species: ciliatus
• Synonyms: Bromus ciliatus var.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to most of North America, including most of Canada.
• Adapted to wet prairies and coniferous forests, such as those with cedars.
• Found on a wide variety of sites and tolerant of poorly drained soils.
• Prefers moist sites that can be seasonally dry.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A coarse, loosely tufted perennial.
• Grows between 0.5-1.0 meters (approximately 2-4 feet) tall.
• Non-rhizomatous and erect.
• Cool-season, clump-forming grass.
• Stems are stout and leafy, usually rising in groups.
• Drooping florets with an oat-like appearance.

Ecological Role

• Important forage plant for cattle in the West.
• Seeds are eaten by wildlife.
• Effective for erosion control.
• Valued in revegetation mixes.

Genetic Information

• Genetic diversity has been studied using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism.

Other Considerations

• Hardiness Zone: 2-7
• Sun: Full sun to part shade
• Water: Wet to Medium

Additional Information

• Wetland Code: FACW
• Coefficient of Conservatism: 6
• Coefficient of Wetness: -3
• Wetness Index: FACW
• Physiognomy: Nt P-Grass
• Seeds / Packet: 500
• Seeds / Ounce: 10,000
• Germination Code: A
• Pure Live Seed (PLS), Seed sold PLS.