Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 2703670

Smooth Brome

Bromus inermis

Also known as Hungarian Brome, Russian Brome, Awnless Brome

Smooth brome is a vigorous, sod-forming perennial grass that spreads relentlessly across open ground via subterranean rhizomes and abundant wind-blown seed. Its flat leaves bear a distinctive transverse constriction near the midpoint, forming a subtle 'M' or 'W' impression when unrolled. Extensively seeded across North America for cattle pasture and roadside erosion control, dense stands form persistent monocultures that outcompete diverse native grassland communities.

PerennialGrassInvasive
Smooth Brome reference
Licensed reference(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Photosynthetic
Predators
  • Meadow Vole
  • Differential Grasshopper
  • Cattle
ThreatsHerbicides, targeted prescribed fire, intensive native prairie restoration
HabitatsPrairies, pastures, roadsides, disturbed grasslands, forest edges
Life spanPerennial (clones can persist for decades)
Classification
  1. OrderPoales
  2. FamilyPoaceae
  3. GenusBromus
  4. SpeciesBromus inermis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Leaf Inspection: Look for a distinctive M- or W-shaped constriction across the middle of the leaf blade.
  • Spring Scouting: Examine roadsides and old pastures in early summer when the loose, awnless panicles bloom.
Related species
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