poverty brome
Family
PoaceaeScientific Name
Bromus sterilisOther Common Names:
barren bromegrass
sterile brome
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Anisantha sterilis
Habit
Poverty brome is an upright annual that can reach up to 3 feet tall.
Leaves
Leaves of poverty brome are glabrous on both sides of the leaf and the leaf width is 2-4mm. The ligule is a large membrane which can be up to 2.5 mm tall.
Identifying Characteristics
Poverty brome can be recognized by the lack of hairs on the leaf and long awns on the seedhead.
Flower Seed Head
The seedhead of poverty brome is a panicle, approximately 4-8 inches tall. The spikelets usually have 5-7 flowers each and are up to 2 inches long, including the awn.
Seed Fruit
The seed of poverty brome is a caryopsis, a dry grain. The coverings of the seed are without hairs.
Where Found
Poverty brome is mainly a weed of disturbed habitats and can be found in meadows and pastures.
Leaf Hair on Upper Surface
hairs from base to tip
Leaf Arrangement
rolled in bud
Mature Leaf Width
less than 5 mm
Stem
flat or oval
Seedhead
panicle
Root Structure
fibrous
Life Cycle
winter annual
Auricle
not present
Ligule
membrane
Ligule Length
Varies:
1-2 mm,
2-3 mm
Plant Type
Grass