Great Basin Brome

Bromus polyanthus

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Bromus
Species:
Bromus polyanthus
USDA Symbol:
BRPO

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
green, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Olivia's buckmoth (Hemileuca oliviae)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Can resprout after fire; often increases in post-fire communities.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
fertile, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; sow in fall or stratify for 30-60 days.