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arctic brome

Scientific Name: Bromus kalmii

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: MD (wild chess), ME (wild chess), NH (Kalm's brome

       

Arctic Brome: A Versatile Grass

Arctic brome can refer to several species within the Bromus genus. This entry focuses on Bromus kalmii, also known as Arctic Brome, Prairie Brome, Kalm's Brome, or Wild Chess.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Bromus kalmii A. Gray
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
  • Synonyms: Bromopsis kalmii, Bromus purgans
  • USDA Symbol: BRKA2

Other species referred to as Arctic Brome include: Bromus inermis, also known as Austrian bromegrass, Awnless brome. Also, Bromus pumpellianus.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bromus kalmii is a native bunchgrass found in the North-central and Northeastern United States.
  • It is considered an uncommon plant in central regions.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Bromus kalmii is a short-lived perennial prairie grass reaching approximately 2 feet in height.
  • It is a slender-stemmed grass, typically growing to 2-3 feet tall.
  • The seedhead is drooping and has few flowers.

Ecological Role

  • Bromus inermis is an introduced grass with rhizomes.

Allergen Potential

  • Bromus kalmii has a high allergen potential.

Bloom Period and Flower Color

  • Bromus kalmii blooms in early summer.
  • The flower color is yellow.