Downy Brome
Photo Credit: Nicole Kimmel, Alberta Agriculture & Forestry
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Common Name: Downy brome Scientific Name: Bromus tectorum Habitat: dry grassland, roadsides, farmland, disturbed areas Provincial Designation: Noxious Noxious weeds are plant species that are designated as "noxious weeds" in the Alberta weed regulation. Noxious weeds must be controlled, meaning their growth or spread needs to be prevented. |
Origin
Downy brome is native to southern Europe and southwest Asia. It was introduced to North America through contaminated crop seed and ship ballasts. It was also used in reclamation seed mixes because of its ability to establish quickly in dry soil.
Legislated Because
This grass species can alter the understory of oak ecosystems and invades rangeland where it is highly competitive, especially after wild fires.
Description
Downy brome is a slender annual grass that grows 10-70 cm tall. The flowers are drooping and one sided. The awns are 12-15 mm long. The first glume has one nerve.
All parts of the plant usually have soft hairs, including the main stem within the seed head. The entire plant often turns purple in fall.
This species is very similar to Japanese brome. Downy brome likes dry and open areas and can be found together with Medusahead, another invasive species.
Learn more about this species:
SeeFact Sheets - Alberta Invasive Species Council
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Downy Brome -
Downy Brome
For More Information
Weed Management
| Telephone |
In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311 |
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| invasiveweeds@edmonton.ca |
