Bromes (Bromus)

By Bruce Homer-Smith

California has many species of brome. They vary widely but have several common characteristics. They are the only genus in the Brome Tribe.

The inflorescence is always branched and is often open.

Red Brome (Bromus rubens)

Photo by Wilde Legard

Meadow Brome (Bromus commutatus)

Photo by Zoya Akulova-Barlow

Narrow Flowered Brome (Bromus laevipes)

Photo by Keir Morse

Soft Chess (Bromus hordeaceus)

Photo by Wilde Legard

Note, you have to look closely to find branches on this plant where the branches are parallel to the stem.

Each spikelet has many florets, creating a long, narrow look. Spikelet length ranges from ½” to almost 3”.

Leaf sheaths are closed, as opposed to open or overlapping, and often have a V neck showing at the top.

California Brome (Bromus carinatus) - Photo by Keir Morse

Florets always have awns and glumes never do.

Soft Chess (Bromus hordeaceus) – Photo by Wilde Legard

Since spikelets have many florets, there are many awns on each spikelet.

California has 39 species of Bromus. They include Ripgut, chess grasses, and the widespread, native California Brome. Native bromes tend to be perennials while non-native tend to be annuals.

Corrections/Comments: bruce@PlantID.net