Erect Brome: A European Grass That’s Made Itself at Home
If you’ve been wandering through meadows or naturalized areas across North America, chances are you’ve encountered erect brome (Bromus erectus) without even knowing it. This tall, graceful grass has quite the story – it’s traveled far from its European homeland to establish itself across much of Canada and the United States.
What Is Erect Brome?
Erect brome goes by several names, including meadow brome and upright brome, which gives you a pretty good idea of how this grass likes to present itself to the world. As a perennial grass, it’s in it for the long haul, returning year after year with its characteristic upright stance and delicate, branched seed heads that dance in the breeze.
Originally from Europe and western Asia, this non-native species has adapted remarkably well to North American conditions. It reproduces spontaneously in the wild and has established persistent populations without any help from humans – nature’s way of saying I like it here!
Where You’ll Find It Growing
Erect brome has made itself quite comfortable across a impressive range of locations. You can find it growing in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and numerous U.S. states including Alabama, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. That’s quite the real estate portfolio!
Should You Plant Erect Brome?
Here’s where things get interesting. While erect brome isn’t currently listed as invasive, it’s worth considering what you’re getting into. This grass is quite the self-starter – it self-seeds readily and can establish itself beyond where you originally planted it.
The Case for Planting It:
- Adds vertical interest to naturalized areas and wildflower meadows
- Extremely low maintenance once established
- Drought tolerant and adaptable to various soil conditions
- Creates movement and texture in cottage garden settings
- Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8
Things to Consider:
- As a non-native species, it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as native grasses
- Can self-seed aggressively and spread beyond intended areas
- May compete with native plants in naturalized settings
Native Alternatives Worth Considering
If you love the idea of tall, graceful grasses but want to support local ecosystems, consider these native alternatives that offer similar aesthetic appeal:
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
- Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)
- Canada wild rye (Elymus canadensis)
- Buffalo grass (Poaceae family natives specific to your region)
How to Grow Erect Brome Successfully
If you decide to give erect brome a try, the good news is that it’s refreshingly easy to grow. This grass isn’t picky and will reward your minimal efforts with reliable performance.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Full sun is preferred, though it can tolerate some light shade
- Soil: Well-drained soils are essential – it’s not fond of soggy feet
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, requires minimal watering
- pH: Adaptable to various soil pH levels
Planting and Care Tips:
- Plant seeds in early spring or fall for best germination
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for natural spread
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots
- Cut back in late winter before new growth emerges
- Be prepared to manage self-seeding if you want to contain its spread
- Consider planting in contained areas or using barriers if spread is a concern
The Bottom Line
Erect brome is one of those plants that’s neither hero nor villain – it’s simply a well-adapted grass that knows how to make itself at home. While it can add lovely texture and movement to the right garden setting, it’s worth weighing the benefits against the potential for aggressive self-seeding and its non-native status.
If you’re creating a naturalized meadow or cottage garden and don’t mind a grass that likes to take initiative, erect brome might be worth considering. However, if supporting native ecosystems is a priority, you’ll find plenty of beautiful native grass alternatives that offer similar aesthetic appeal while providing better habitat value for local wildlife.
Whatever you decide, remember that successful gardening is about finding plants that match both your aesthetic vision and your management style. Sometimes the best garden is the one that works with nature – whether that nature is native or naturalized.
