Smooth Brome

Bromus inermis

DESCRIPTION:

Smooth brome, also known as Hungarian brome, is a non-native, long-lived, herbaceous perennial. This cool-season grass can grow nearly 4 feet tall. Emerging in late March, the numerous basal and stem leaves are smooth, under 1/2 inch wide and up to 8 inches long. Each leaf has a characteristic "W" shaped wrinkle near its tip. From May to July, a nearly smooth stem supports the flowering portion of the plant.

The flower heads are characterized by having 4-10 upright branching-spikes. Each spike is 1-2 inches long and comprised of up to 10 blunt tipped florets. The florets take on a purple-brown color as they mature from June to August and begin to set seed. Reproduction is both by seed and by its aggressive rhizomes.

HABITAT:

Smooth brome grows well in open areas such as roadsides, riverbanks, open fields and woodland edges. It is drought resistant and may go dormant during harsh conditions. It is also tolerant of periodic flooding. Open areas such as prairies, savannas, and meadows are extremely susceptible to invasion by smooth brome.

DISTRIBUTION:

Smooth brome was introduced to the United States from Europe and eastern Asia in 1884. It was, and still is, used as a forage crop for livestock and for erosion control along streams. It is found throughout the United States except for the extreme southeast. It is found throughout Ohio. It is most common in agricultural areas where it has escaped from its intended use.

PROBLEM:

Because of the early season growth and aggressive spread of smooth brome, it can out-compete many of the warm-season native plants found in prairies and grasslands for water and nutrients. The sod-forming roots of established smooth brome populations can prevent other species from emerging. Seeds may stay viable for up to 10 years, which coupled with its tenacious growth, makes this grass species difficult to eradicate.

CONTROL:

Mechanical

Prescribed burning after shoots emerge in late spring can help control the spread of smooth brome. This also helps favor native warm-season species of plants. However, early burning may favor the growth of smooth brome. Continual mowing can also be effective, but this normally affects non-target species as well. Control should be undertaken to prevent seed production.

Chemical

A systemic herbicide such as RoundupÂ® or GlyproÂ®, or a grass-specific herbicide such as Fusilade DXÂ® can be effectively applied to dense populations in April or May. Care must be taken to avoid non-target species.

Biological

Currently there are no biological controls for smooth brome.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES:

Sather, N. 1987. Element Stewardship Abstract for Awnless Brome, Smooth Brome. The Nature Conservancy.