Corn Brome: What Every Gardener Should Know About This Non-Native Grass
If you’ve ever wondered about that scraggly annual grass popping up in disturbed areas around your property, you might be looking at corn brome (Bromus squarrosus). While it’s not exactly the kind of plant most gardeners rush to add to their wish lists, understanding this non-native grass can help you make informed decisions about your landscape.
What is Corn Brome?
Corn brome is an annual grass that originally hails from the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe. It’s what botanists call an introduced species – meaning it hitched a ride to North America and has been making itself at home ever since. This adaptable little grass has a knack for showing up where you least expect it, particularly in disturbed soils and waste areas.
Where You’ll Find It
This globe-trotting grass has spread across an impressive range of North American locations. You can spot corn brome from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario, all the way down to individual states including Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. That’s quite the travel resume!
Should You Plant Corn Brome?
Here’s the short answer: probably not intentionally. While corn brome isn’t necessarily a garden villain, it’s not exactly a garden hero either. This annual grass tends to be more of a volunteer plant – the kind that shows up on its own rather than being invited to the party.
Why most gardeners skip it:
- Limited ornamental value compared to native grass alternatives
- Tends to grow in a somewhat scraggly, weedy appearance
- Can self-seed readily in disturbed areas
- Offers minimal benefits to local wildlife and pollinators
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of corn brome, consider these gorgeous native grass options that will give you more bang for your gardening buck:
- Little bluestem for prairie-style gardens
- Buffalo grass for low-maintenance lawns
- Native fescues for naturalized areas
- Regional bunch grasses specific to your area
Growing Conditions and Hardiness
If corn brome does decide to make an appearance in your garden (and it very well might, whether you invite it or not), it’s remarkably adaptable. This hardy little grass thrives in USDA zones 3-9, which explains its widespread distribution. It prefers full sun and is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established, making it a survivor in challenging conditions.
Corn brome isn’t particularly picky about soil types and can handle various conditions, though it seems to have a special fondness for disturbed or poor soils where other plants might struggle.
Management Tips
Since this is an annual grass, corn brome completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. If you’re trying to manage it in your landscape:
- Remove plants before they set seed to prevent spread
- Improve soil conditions and plant desirable alternatives to outcompete it
- Regular mowing can prevent seed production
- Hand-pulling is effective for small populations
The Bottom Line
While corn brome isn’t the most exciting addition to the plant world, it’s a good reminder of how adaptable nature can be. Rather than fighting it tooth and nail, focus your energy on creating healthy, diverse landscapes with native plants that will naturally outcompete less desirable species. Your local wildlife – and your garden’s ecosystem – will thank you for it!
Remember, the best defense against unwanted plants is often a good offense: healthy soil, appropriate native plantings, and regular garden maintenance go a long way toward creating the landscape you actually want to see.
