Mountain Brome
Bromus marginatus
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Bromus marginatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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): 1
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 - British Columbia and Alberta to California, New Mexico and South Dakota.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed - cooked. Used as a piñole. The seed is heavy. The seed is rather small and fiddly to utilize.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Tied bunches of plants have been used as hair brushes and light brooms.
Broom: Used for sweeping the floor etc.
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. It is considered to be a part of B. carinatus by some botanists. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.3 to 7.8. 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; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist