Smooth Brome

Bromus inermis ssp. inermis var. inermis, commonly known as Smooth Brome, is a perennial grass native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, now widely naturalized in North America. This species typically grows to a height of 24 to 36 inches, forming dense tufts that can create a lush, green ground cover. The leaves are narrow, elongated, and smooth, often exhibiting a bluish-green hue, while the flowering stems produce loose, nodding panicles that can reach up to 12 inches in length, showcasing small, inconspicuous flowers that are wind-pollinated. The seeds are small, oval, and have a hard outer coating, allowing them to remain viable in the soil for extended periods, which aids in the species’ persistence in various habitats.