Mountain Brome
Bromus breviaristatus

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Bromus breviaristatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.8

Where it is found

Various habitats from moist woods to dry open meadows or sagebrush covered hills, sometimes to the timber line.

Western N. America - Manitoba to British Columbia, south to Iowa, Arizona and California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Seed - cooked. Used as a piñole. The seed is very small and fiddly to use.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. This plant has potential as a perennial cereal. The seed is small but can be harvested 2 - 3 times a year if the plants are well grown and fertilized. It is considered to be a part of B. carinatus by some botanists. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained soils.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ and only just cover. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. If seed is in short supply it can be surface sown in a cold frame in early spring. When large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. Division in spring. Large clumps can be planted out direct into their permanent positions whilst it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are ready to be planted out.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

B. marginatus breviaristatus (Buckl.)Beetle.