Smooth Brome | Nebraska Invasive Species Council

Credit: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

General Information

Species Name: Bromus inermis

Family: Poaceae (Grass)

Growth Form: Grass

Life Span: Perennial

Origin: Europe

Noxious: No

Why Is It Invasive?

Smooth brome begins growing before native warm season grasses and can take over areas before native grasses start growing. It forms dense covers, outcompeting and crowding out native vegetation. It can spread into grasslands, prairies, and roadsides.

What Does It Look Like?

General Description

Grass that grows 2-4 feet high and begins growing early in the year.

Seedheads

Seedheads grow in a branching cluster of spikelets, which bloom in June and July. Seedhead may range in color from yellow to purplish.

Leaves

Leaves are alternate about the stem and are usually hairless. They are flat and smooth without hairs.

Stem

Stems are upright and may grow up to 4 feet in height.

Seeds

Seeds are brown, flat, and oblong.

Photos

Smooth brome growing on a bed of brown dirt.

Credit: John Ruter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Smooth brome delicate seed heads against a plain brown background.

Credit: John Cardina, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Smooth brome stem with long, narrow leaves, set against a blurred outdoor background.

Credit: Ohio State Weed Lab , The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Three brown rice seeds infested with pests on a blue background, ruler shown for scale.

Credit: Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Thin smooth brome stem with feathery seed heads in a blurred grassy field background.

Credit: Ohio State Weed Lab , The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Tall smooth brome with seed heads in a field under a light blue sky.

Credit: John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Bugwood.org

Where Does It Grow?

Smooth brome can be found in pastures, fields, grasslands, and roadsides. It prefers moist soils, well-draining soils but will establish in sandier soils. It is widely established across North America.

How Does It Spread?

Smooth brome spreads by seed and underground rhizomes. It was initially brought to the United States in the late 1800s to be used for foraging, hay production, and erosion control.

How Do I Control It?

Mechanical

Spring mowing, followed by subsequent mowing as needed, can help effectively control smooth brome. Late spring burns can also help reduce smooth brome.

Please contact your county weed control authority to determine appropriate removal methods.

Cultural

Smooth brome is considered excellent forage for livestock. Heavy grazing can reduce smooth brome infestations.

Purchase certified, weed-free hay for livestock and other purposes.

One way that invasive plant seeds and fragments can spread is in soil. Sometimes plants are planted purposefully. You can prevent the spread of invasive plants.

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