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cheatgrass
Scientific Name: Bromus tectorum
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Bromus tectorum: An Overview
Bromus tectorum, commonly known as cheatgrass or drooping brome, is an annual grass that has become a significant ecological factor in many regions.
Common Names
- Cheatgrass
- Drooping Brome
- Downy Brome
- Bronco Grass
- Downy Chess
- June Grass
- Early Chess
- Military Chess
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Bromus tectorum L.
- Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
- Plant Symbol: BRTE
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Europe, southwestern Asia, and northern Africa.
- Widely distributed on rangelands in the western U.S.
- Particularly prevalent in the shrub-steppe region of the Columbia Basin.
- Invasive in North America, found in every state, especially in the Great Basin.
Ecological Role
- Considered one of the most successful invasive species in North America.
- Has the potential to dramatically alter ecosystems it invades, sometimes completely replacing native plants.
- Increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires, especially in areas like the Great Basin.
- Overgrazing has contributed to its spread.
Morphological Characteristics
- Erect-stemmed annual grass.
- Grows to approximately 8-25 inches (20-70 cm) tall, but can range from 6-24 inches depending on the environment.
- Seedlings are bright green with conspicuously hairy leaves.
- Leaves are flat and wide.
- Forms yellowish clumps.
Considerations for Pets
- The text indicates cheatgrass is causing "big problems for pets".
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Cheatgrass can "cheat" farmers out of grain crops by invading fields.
- Threatens more than 100 million acres of land used for grazing.
- Cattle are being used in some areas to help combat the spread of cheatgrass.
- Impacts greater sage-grouse habitats.
Resources and Further Information
- USDA, NRCS, National Plant Data Center
- USDA Plant Profile for Cheatgrass
- University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
- www.msuextension.org (for MontGuides)