Species California Brome
green-pink spikelets with burgundy stems

California Brome

Bromus sitchensis var. carinatus

California Brome is a perennial bunchgrass native to California and Oregon. It grows in many habitats, including low-elevation chaparral, sage scrub, and woodland. It prefers well-drained sandy soils and full to partial sun. The stems are green, hollow, and upright, reaching heights of 2-4 feet tall. The leaves are short and slender, and the inflorescence takes the form of a panicle containing open spikelets of small, greenish-yellow flowers. California Brome is an incredibly important species for many wildlife species as it provides food, shelter, and habitat.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

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

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

brown,tan Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

California Brome requires frequent watering during both the growing season (April to September) and the dormant season (October to March). During the growing season, water thoroughly every 2 to 3 days, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering. During the dormant season, reduce watering to once a week or even less often if it is rainy and cool. Remember to check the soil before watering to make sure that the upper layer is slightly dry.

sunlight

California Brome (Bromus sitchensis var. carinatus) is best suited for full sunlight with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can thrive in both direct and diffuse sunlight, so some partial shade is acceptable. California Brome can tolerate warmer climates. During the summer it should be planted in a location that does not receive intense mid-day sun and instead receives the sun during the cooler mornings and evenings.

pruning

Pruning California Brome (Bromus sitchensis var. carinatus) is an important part of its maintenance and upkeep. Pruning should be done when the plant is dormant, usually once in the late winter or early spring. It is best to prune just before the new growth begins in the spring. To prune the California Brome, start by removing any dead or broken branches. Next, look for any parts of the plant which are intersecting or growing inward, as these can interfere with circulation, and remove them. Finally, look at the overall shape of the plant, and prune any branches that are sticking out, too long, or growing in the wrong direction. When pruning California Brome, it is important to remember not to over prune your plant by trimming stems too close to the ground. The stems of California Brome are shallow-rooted, meaning that you should aim to trim around 1/3 of the height of the plant. This will ensure that the plant continues to grow healthy and strong, and will also keep the shape of the plant's desired form.

Season

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

California Brome typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of California Brome typically begins in late June or early July.