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Overview
Bromus japonicus is an annual grass reaching 1-2.5 feet (30-75 cm) tall, growing in slender tufts of erect to spreading culms. The leaf blades and sheaths are softly hairy, the blades flat and 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long. From late spring into summer it carries an open, nodding panicle 3-8 inches (8-20 cm) long with spreading and drooping branches bearing flattened spikelets 0.5-1.4 inches (1.3-3.5 cm) long, each floret tipped by a straight to slightly bent awn 0.3-0.5 inch (8-13 mm) long. The grain ripens and the plant dries by midsummer. B. japonicus originated in Eurasia and has naturalized across much of North America, growing on rangeland, roadsides, fields, and disturbed ground. As a winter or spring annual it germinates with cool-season moisture, sets seed, and dies. It is treated as a weed that competes with forage and native grasses, and its dry awned seed heads can injure grazing animals. Dense stands add to fire fuel as they cure in summer.
Native Range
Bromus japonicus is native to Europe and temperate Asia. It has naturalized across much of North America and other temperate regions, growing on rangeland, roadsides, croplands, pastures, and disturbed open ground.Suggested Uses
Bromus japonicus is not planted ornamentally and is managed as a weed where it occurs. It supplies early-season grazing before the awns harden, after which the seed heads can injure livestock. In restoration and rangeland settings it is controlled rather than sown.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'6"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Green to purplishFoliage Description
Green to tanGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bromus japonicus grows in full sun in a wide range of soils with a pH from 6.0 to 8.0, from sand to clay, and tolerates poor, compacted, and disturbed ground. As a cool-season annual it germinates in fall or early spring, grows through the cool months, and dies after setting seed in summer. It needs no irrigation in its range and self-seeds heavily. Stands form dense cover that competes with forage and native seedlings. Growth is reduced in deep shade and on permanently wet soils. It is managed as a weed on rangeland and in restoration plantings.Pruning
Mowing or cutting before the seed ripens reduces self-seeding and spread. There is no other routine pruning for this annual grass. Cut or grazed plants do not regrow once they have flowered.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Fall
Plant Spacing
4 inches