Downy brome

(Bromus tectorum L.)

COMMON NAMES:

Cheat, Cheatgrass, Wild oats, Early chess, and thatch bromegrass

DESCRIPTION:

Downy brome is a winter annual species that can grow to be 4-30” tall. Leaf blades and sheaths are covered in soft hairs. Inflorescence is dense, slender, with drooping branches. Awns become purplish at maturity. Seeds germinate in the fall, overwinter as a seedling, grow rapidly in the spring, and reach maturity by June.  

KEY FEATURES:

Leaf blades and sheaths are covered in soft hairs. Drooping branches with purplish awns.  

HABITAT:

Depleted rangelands and pastures, meadow and sagebrush communities, and dry soils in disturbed areas.

CONTROL:

Applying herbicides in the spring may be most effective. In smaller patches, it can be hand-pulled and removed prior to seed production. For more information contact our SCWP office.