Ripgut brome

Common Name(s)

Ripgut brome

Great brome

Ripgut grass

Scientific Name

Bromus diandrus

Family

Grass family (Poaceae)

Reasons for concern

Ripgut brome becomes very dry and flammable during the dry season, increasing wildfire frequency. It grows in dense patches, making it difficult for native species to grow. Long awns can embed themselves in skin and eyes, which can injure wildlife and livestock

Classification

Non-native

Botanical description

Erect or bending bunchgrass with long awns

Leaves

Sheaths covered in long soft hairs 1-10 inches long, less ½ inch wide

Stem(s)

Erect or ascending stems originating from a central bunch up to 3 feet tall

Inflorescence

5-10 inch long light green to white branched pinnacles, may be erect or ascending.

Native to

Europe

Where it grows

Riparian environments, disturbed areas like roadsides

Lifecycle

Annual

Reproduction

By seed

Weedy Characteristics

Ripgut brome can produce up to 3000 seeds per plant. These seeds get stuck on humans, animals, and vehicles very easily.

Look-alike Plants

California brome (Bromus carinatus) has significantly smaller awns

Control Strategies

If you are in an area with ripgut brome, check your shoes, clothes, and vehicles to prevent spreading the seeds. Mowing is only effective before the plant seeds, and should only be done in late March to early April, with necessary repeat treatments. Glyphosate can be used in early spring.

Gallery

References