Ripgut Brome (Bromus diandrus)

Grass Family (Poaceae)

 Description: Ripgut brome is an annual grass, that stands 6-31 inches (15-80 centimeters) tall. Leaves are generally soft-hairy, blades are 0.07-0.27 inches (2-7 millimeters) wide, and edges are scabrous (rough to the touch, generally owing to short, stiff hairs). Spikelet is ± compressed, hairless to short-hairy; lower glume 0.7-1.2 inches (18-30 millimeters), generally 3-veined; flowers 5-8; lemma body 0.7-1.2 inches (18-30 millimeters), 5-7 veined, back rounded, tip with teeth 0.1-0.27 inches (3-7 millimeters).

Habitat: Native to Eurasia, ripgut brome occurs in open, generally disturbed places and fields at elevations below 6560 feet (2,000 meters ).

Distribution: Occurs throughout California to British Columbia. Within the public lands administered by the Arcata Field Office ripgut brome occurs as a problem weed on the Samoa Peninsula in the native foredune community where past noxious weeds have changed the soil characteristics making it hospitable to annual grasses. Annual grasses and their seeds are difficult to remove and their presence inhibits colonization by native and endangered plants.

Flowering Period: March through June