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Downy brome

(Bromus tectorum)

Downy brome or Cheatgrass is an annual or winter annual, native to the Mediterranean region. Cheatgrass ranges in height from 2 to 36 inches. Each plant contains multiple stems that are erect in nature. The inflorescences are born and the end of the stems, and are multi-branched. They appear in a slender, dense, and usually drooping manner. At maturity, they appear greenish purple in color. The spikelets are slender, 3/8 to 3/4 of an inch long, and are nodding. The awns on the end of the spikelets are usually 3/8 to 5/8 of an inch long. The sheaths of the leaves are flat blades and densely covered in soft hairs. Cheatgrass reproduces solely by seed. The root system is fibrous and fleshy.

Downy brome fact sheet   

 

 

 

Downy brome distribution map