SafePlants

Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis)

Smooth brome, scientifically known as Bromus inermis Leyss., is a long-lived perennial grass widely recognized for its use as forage and in hay production. It's also referred to as smooth bromegrass, brome grass, cheat grass, chess grass, Austrian brome, or Hungarian brome.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bromus inermis Leyss.
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family, previously known as Gramineae)
• Synonyms/Related Taxa:
  • Bromus inermis subsp. inermis (Awnless brome, Hungarian brome)
  • Bromus ramosus ssp. ramosus (lesser hairy brome)
• Plant Symbol: BRIN2

Distribution and Habitat

Originally introduced from Europe and Asia, smooth brome has become widespread in the United States and Canada, particularly in the northern regions. It is found across most contiguous states, except for a few southeastern states. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in deep, well-drained, moist soils.

Ecological Role

• Smooth brome is considered a non-native invasive species in some regions. It has been shown to invade both native cool- and warm-season grasslands, including tallgrass and mixed prairie ecosystems.
• Its invasive nature can lead to the elimination of native grasses and forbs, altering plant community composition.
• Smooth brome invasion can also lead to changes in soil properties, such as increased soil nitrogen, soil carbon, and root biomass.

Morphological Characteristics

• Smooth brome is a sod-forming perennial grass that typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet (approximately 0.3 to 1.1 meters), sometimes reaching up to 1.5 meters.
• The culms (stems) are light green, hairless or short-pubescent, and terete (cylindrical).
• Leaves have a fine texture, are alternate, and measure between 0.25 to 0.75 inches in width. Leaves are typically hairless.
• The plant has deep, fibrous, and very fine roots.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is often found in pastures and hayfields, areas where animals graze.

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.
• Cattle may find smooth brome grass to be tough fodder, but it is considered suitable for horse hay.

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