Brome – Alaska

Alaska Brome, also commonly known as ‘Sitka Brome’, is a long-lived native perennial bunchgrass that will actively grow at moderate rates during the spring and summer seasons. This grass’s foliage color is green and it is characteristically medium textured. Alaska Brome will mature at up to 5 feet tall and it will bloom in late spring with the seeds reaching maturity in the summer months. Receiving a low palatability rating as a forage crop and containing low protein levels, there are better available choices for native grazing material. Alaska Brome is only propagated by seed and will grow moderately vigorous seedlings. Suitable growing conditions for Alaska Brome can be found in medium textured soils and is not adapted to coarse or fine textured soils. It has a medium tolerance of drought and is highly tolerant of, though not resistant to, fire. This native requires minimal moisture levels, surviving with between 36 and 60 inches of annual rainfall. Alaska Brome will develop deeply penetrating root systems and abide growing in more shaded areas, though it will not grow where saline is present in the soil.