SafePlants

Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis)

Smooth brome, scientifically known as Bromus inermis, is a widely recognized grass species with several common names including bromes, brome grasses, cheat grasses, and chess grasses.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bromus inermis Leyss.
• Family: Poaceae (Grass Family) / Gramineae
• Synonyms:
  • Bromus inermis subsp. inermis (awnless brome, Hungarian brome)
  • Bromus ramosus ssp. ramosus (lesser hairy brome)
• Plant Symbol: BRIN2

Distribution and Habitat

Native to Europe and Asia, smooth brome was introduced to North America in the late 1800s and early 1880s. It is now commonly found across most contiguous states in the United States, except for a few southeastern states, and is very common in the northern regions. It is also prevalent in Canada. It thrives in deep, well-drained, moist soils.

Ecological Role

• Smooth brome is considered a non-native invasive species in some regions.
• It can be particularly troublesome in disturbed areas of old pastures within tallgrass and mixed prairie ecosystems.
• Established smooth brome can sometimes eliminate native grasses and forbs.
• Smooth brome invasion can lead to increased soil nitrogen, soil carbon, and root biomass.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Smooth brome is a long-lived perennial, sod-forming grass.
• It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3.5 feet (0.3 to 1.1 meters).
• The culms (stems) are light green, hairless or short-pubescent, and terete (circular in cross-section).
• The leaves are alternate and have a fine texture, measuring 0.25 to 0.75 inches wide.
• It exhibits rhizomatous growth, forming a dense network of underground stems.
• Roots are deep, fibrous, and very fine.

Utilization

• Smooth brome is widely planted as a forage grass and for hay production.
• It is considered a cool-season grass, growing best during cooler months.
• It is sometimes used for erosion control.
• While cattle tend to avoid it as fodder, it is suitable for horse hay.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Armyworms have been reported in smooth brome pastures and hay fields.
• Pathogenic fungal species can be isolated from the leaves and seeds of smooth brome.
• Ergot can be found in smooth brome.

Further Information

• USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program
• Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, Kansas State University
• College of Agriculture & Biological Sciences / USDA
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Washington State
• Great Basin Seed
• KBS Marshall Farms Smooth Brome Grass (Ref)
• Nature Manitoba