Description
Bromus speciosus (also called California Brome, among many other common names) is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. It is native to western North America, from British Columbia to California, and it grows in meadows, grasslands, and disturbed habitats. It is an annual grass that grows to a height of 10-50 cm, with a slender, erect stem and narrow, flat leaves.
Uses & Benefits
Bromus speciosus is used as a forage crop for livestock, as a soil stabilizer, and as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Bromus speciosus has small, spike-like flower heads, each with a single floret. Its seeds are small, oval-shaped, and reddish-brown in color. The seedlings are thin and have a single, long, narrow leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Bromus speciosus is a cool-season annual grass. It is easy to propagate and cultivate from seed. Sow the seed in the spring or fall in a sunny location with well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils and is drought tolerant once established. It can be mowed or grazed and is often used for hay and silage production. It is also used for erosion control on disturbed sites.