Brome – California

TO ORDER & SEE PRICING SCROLL DOWN

California Brome (Bromus carinatus) is a native, cool-season, short-lived perennial bunchgrass found throughout much of western North America. It is valued for its rapid establishment, deep fibrous root system, forage production, and usefulness for erosion control, land rehabilitation, and native restoration plantings.

California Brome produces upright clumps of green to blue-green foliage and can reach approximately 3–4 feet tall under favorable growing conditions. It develops an extensive fibrous root system that allows it to establish relatively quickly and helps stabilize soil on disturbed sites.

California Brome grows best in full sun but can tolerate some partial shade. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, including sandy, silty, and clay soils, and can grow in both moist and relatively dry conditions. It generally performs best where adequate moisture is available during establishment.

California Brome is well suited to native grass plantings, erosion control, land rehabilitation, disturbed sites, rangeland, pastures, roadsides, burned areas, mine reclamation, wildlife habitat, and other restoration projects. Its relatively rapid establishment makes it useful as an early-cover or pioneer species while longer-lived native grasses become established.

Forage & Livestock

California Brome is a palatable and nutritious forage grass for livestock and wildlife, particularly during the spring and early summer when the plants are actively growing. It is considered good to excellent forage for cattle and horses and good forage for sheep.

California Brome can be used for pasture, hay, and rangeland forage. Livestock readily utilize the leafy growth before maturity, while the foliage becomes coarser and less palatable as the plant matures and produces seed.

California Brome is also used by wildlife including deer, elk, pronghorn, and other animals. Its seed heads provide food for birds and small mammals.

Although California Brome is tolerant of grazing, excessive or continuous grazing can weaken established stands. For long-term forage plantings, rotational or deferred grazing can help maintain plant vigor and allow plants adequate time to recover and produce seed.

Because California Brome is a short-lived perennial, it is generally better suited as a component of a diverse native forage or pasture planting rather than as a permanent stand by itself.

Native Range

Alaska, British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico.

Pacific Northwest Planting

For gardeners, land managers, and restoration projects in the Pacific Northwest, California Brome can be planted in either fall or spring.

Fall planting is a good option where adequate soil moisture is available. Sow seed into a prepared, weed-free planting area and cover the seed lightly.

Spring planting is also successful when soil conditions are suitable. Sow as early as practical while adequate spring moisture is available and keep the planting area free of competing vegetation during establishment.

California Brome establishes best when seed has good contact with the soil. Avoid burying the seed deeply.

Fall Planting

Fall can be an excellent planting season for California Brome in the Pacific Northwest and other areas where fall and winter moisture are available.

Sow after the heat of summer has passed and temperatures have cooled. Cover the seed lightly and allow it to remain in the soil through the cool season.

Fall planting can allow the seed to take advantage of natural winter moisture and can give plants an opportunity to establish before the following summer.

Choose a well-drained planting location, particularly in areas with wet winters. Avoid locations where water remains standing for extended periods.

Spring Planting

Spring planting is also a reliable option for California Brome.

Sow directly outdoors once the soil can be worked and conditions are suitable. Prepare a firm, weed-free seed bed and sow the seed shallowly.

Good seed-to-soil contact is important for successful establishment. Keep the seed bed adequately moist during germination and early growth.

Spring planting can be particularly useful in colder areas where fall establishment before winter may be difficult.

Establishment & Long-Term Growth

California Brome is a relatively rapid-establishing native perennial grass. Its deep fibrous root system develops quickly and helps provide soil stabilization and competition against weeds.

As a short-lived perennial, individual plants may not persist as long as some other native perennial grasses. However, California Brome can be valuable during the early stages of a restoration or native planting while longer-lived species become established.

Allow newly seeded stands adequate time to develop strong roots before heavy grazing. Heavy or continuous grazing during establishment can reduce plant vigor and stand persistence.

Once established, California Brome can provide forage, wildlife habitat, erosion control, and native vegetation cover.

Choosing the Right Site

California Brome performs best in full sun but can tolerate some partial shade. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils and moisture conditions.

It can grow in sandy, silty, and clay soils and can tolerate both moist and relatively dry conditions. Adequate moisture during germination and early establishment is important.

Choose a site with good soil contact and adequate drainage. Avoid areas with prolonged standing water and reduce competition from established weeds and other aggressive vegetation during establishment.

Larger Quantities

For quantities larger than those currently listed for sale, please contact us for availability and pricing.

Seeding Rates

The broadcast rate for seeding is 50–62.5 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 25 pounds per acre.