Species Fringed Brome
brown-beige spikelets with light-brown stems

Fringed Brome

Bromus kalmii

Also Known As - Kalm's Brome,Wild Chess
Fringed Brome (Bromus kalmii) is an annual or biennial grass species native to the Great Lakes Region and eastern North America. It has long, tufted light to dark green leaves and long, erect stems covered in bristly hairs. Its small panicle bears spikelets with fringed lemmas and usually two to five hairy awns around 1-2 cm long. This species prefers sandy soils in prairies, woodlands, and rocky hillsides and is a primary colonizer of disturbed habitats. It blooms from May through September and is a popular forage plant for wildlife.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Yellow|Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Clay, Sand, Loam

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Fringed Brome should be watered thoroughly but only when the top 2-3 inches of the soil are dry. It is important not to water this plant species too often. If water runs off the soil, it is an indication that too much water has been applied and the soil may become compacted. Water in the morning 1-2 times per week. Be sure to water the plant until the water has had time to be absorbed by the roots, and avoid wetting the plant’s foliage.

sunlight

Fringed Brome, also known as Bromus kalmii, is a perennial grass native to North America. This plant species prefers full to partial sun. In the northern part of its range, fringed brome requires at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. However, in areas located further south with greater sun intensity, fringed brome may only need 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. Generally, fringed brome should be kept in bright, indirect light throughout the day with occasional direct sunshine for best growth.

pruning

Fringed brome should be pruned in early spring while the plants are still dormant. Pruning should be kept to a moderate level, removing dead, diseased, or broken stems. Removing no more than 1-third of the total plant growth will encourage the desired shape and fullness. After pruning, apply a light feed of a balanced fertilizer or compost to the soil surface to encourage vigorous regrowth of both stems and leaves.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Fringed Brome typically starts flowering in May.