Species: Downy brome (Bromus tectorum)

Growth Form: Annual or winter annual

Key Identifying Characteristics: Drooping branches; in late spring and early summer plant changes from green to purple to tan or brown allowing for easy identification. It often remains purple during the winter months.

Reproduction: Seed

Seed Longevity: Low survival rates in the soil, but seeds may last in the seed bank for a few years.

Native To: Mediterranean

Effective Control Methods: Maintain healthy stand of perennial plants. Seeding may be needed where perennial grasses have been depleted. Livestock grazing can help control downy brome if performed early in the spring. Manage grazing carefully in seeded areas to promote the establishment of new perennial plants. Fire and herbicide can be used in conjunction with grazing. For example, fire in the fall and early spring grazing. Cutting is not recommended unless done repeatedly prior to seed ripening.

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