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Bromus carinatus Hook. & Arn.

California brome

Poaceae (Grass Family)

USDA Symbol: BRCA5

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

California brome is a variable species, differing in, among other things, duration. Considered annuals, biennials & perennials, all appear actually to be short-lived perennials that sometimes flower the first season. The culms are 2-3 ft. tall with a narrow panicle. The branches of the seed head are usually erect, but may be drooping.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Annual
Habit: Grass/Grass-like
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Leaf Color: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: CA , OR , WA
Canada: AB
Native Distribution: B.C. through cismontane CA, e. to ID & NM; infrequent in the Great Plains
Native Habitat: A variety of open or shaded, dry sites
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Various dry soils.
Conditions Comments: Has been known to persist for several seasons, so can be treated somewhat like a perennial.

Benefit

Use Food: Seed harvested by indigenous Californians.
Use Other: Culms used in basketry by indigenous Californians.
Attracts: Birds

Propagation

Description: Not Available
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
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Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

Bibliography

Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources (2006) Anderson, M. Kat

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Bromus carinatus in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Bromus carinatus in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Bromus carinatus

Metadata

Record Modified: 2008-10-19
Research By: TWC Staff

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