Terrestrial invasive species

Nature

Most of these invasive plant factsheets are created from the booklet Minnesota invasive non-native terrestrial plants, an identification guide for resource managers.

Check the additional resources and herbicides table for more information.

Smooth brome grass (Bromus inermis)



Description:

Appearance: Perennial cool season grass, 2 - 3' high, hairless erect stem.

Leaf blade: Conspicuous "M"- or "W"-shaped constriction, blade is about 1/4" wide.

Flower: Open panicle (main axis with subdivided branching), erect with ascending branches, blooming in June and July.

Roots: Reproduces vegetatively through horizontal stems growing below the soil surface, called rhizomes, forming roots and producing new plants.

Ecological Threat:

  • It spreads into degraded prairies, roadsides and ditches and moist wooded areas.
  • It is widely planted as a forage grass and for hay production.
  • Smooth brome was imported in the late 1800s and is widely used as a forage grass and for erosion control.
  • It is tolerant of a wide variety of conditions, but prefers moist soils and sunny locations.

Control Methods:

Mechanical
Late spring prescribed burns will decrease it

Chemical
Mowing and then after a flush of growth spraying repeatedly with glyphosate


Native Substitutes:

Additional Resources