Red Brome

Bromus rubens

This is an INVASIVE PLANT!

Red brome is an annual grass native to southern and southwestern Europe. As early as 1870 it was abundant in California's overgrazed rangelands. Now it occurs throughout the western U.S., from Washington south to California, east to Arizona, Utah, and Texas. It can be found along roadsides, in waste places, on disturbed ground, and in cultivated fields.

Red brome seeds usually germinate in fall, requiring less rainfall than most native plants. The new plants are usually producing seeds by March, as the leaves are starting to die back. The dead stems and leaves of red brome decay slowly and can enhance the potential for the start and spread of fires. Red brome can compete with native plants.

Red brome is difficult to identify until seed heads are produced. To control the spread of this plant, pull it out by the roots (usually easy to do) and discard in the trash. Do not leave it lying on the ground. Less than 2% of seeds maintain their viability for more than a year, so removal of plants before seeds are released for 2-3 years, together with checking previously infested areas each year, can yield good control. Dry winters will reduce germination. Reseeding with native plants after red brome plants are removed can provide competition in future years

Notes:

  • Bromus madritensis subsp. rubens is sometimes given as the scientific name for this plant.
  • The awns and seeds can cause injury to animals, both wild and domesticated.

More Informatio

Academy Village BOLO on red brome

Map of distribution in US (as Bromus madritensis; light blue indicates not native)

Field Guide for Managing Red Brome in the Southwest from USDA Forest Service

Bromus rubens information from Global Invasive Species Database

Technical botanical description from SEINet

ID Characteristics

This plant is in the Poaceae - the grass family.
Red brome is an annual grass that grows to about 20 inches tall. Seeds usually germinate in fall, but germination can occur winter into spring if rainfall is adequate. Rainfalls of 0.5 inches or greater are needed for germination.
The leaves are about 1/4 inch wide. They will begin to die back as the plant starts to flower and produce seed.
The seed heads of red brome are initially green but soon take on their characteristic red coloration.  Each seed head is about 3 inches long and 2 inches wide.
The seeds of red brome are up to 1.5 inches long. They have several thin, barbed, needle-like protrusions called awns. These awns can damage the eyes and mouths of animals.