About
Bromus sterilis is an annual grass characterized by its upright stems that eventually bend, creating open, irregular clusters. This species typically reaches heights of 20 to 90 cm and features elongated, slender green leaves that exhibit a slightly hairy texture on the upper surface while remaining smooth beneath. The plant produces elongated, drooping seed heads that can extend up to 25 cm, with each seed equipped with a rigid bristle to facilitate dispersal.
About the genus
Bromus comprises both annual and perennial grasses that typically grow in tufts. Their flowering spikelets can be found in panicles, either nodding or upright in form.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe, N Africa, Asia
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Thrives in disturbed areas like roadsides, fields, waste ground, and hedgerows, in both dry and moist soils
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, self seeds freely
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free