Mediterranean Brome: What Every Gardener Should Know About This Non-Native Grass
If you’ve spotted a somewhat unremarkable grass popping up in your garden or local area, you might be looking at Mediterranean brome (Bromus lanceolatus). This annual grass has quietly made itself at home across parts of North America, and while it’s not causing major ecological mayhem, it’s definitely not a native species either.
The Basics: What Is Mediterranean Brome?
Mediterranean brome goes by its scientific name Bromus lanceolatus, and you might occasionally see it referred to by its synonym Bromus macrostachys. As the name suggests, this grass originally hails from the Mediterranean region, along with parts of North Africa and Europe. It’s an annual grass, meaning it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season.
This non-native species has established itself across several states and provinces in North America, including Alberta, District of Columbia, Louisiana, New York, and Texas. It reproduces on its own in the wild and tends to stick around once it arrives.
What Does It Look Like?
Mediterranean brome isn’t going to win any beauty contests in the plant world. It’s your fairly typical grass with narrow leaves and open, branching seed heads called panicles. The overall appearance is rather modest – not particularly showy or ornamental, which probably explains why it’s not a popular choice for intentional landscaping.
Should You Plant Mediterranean Brome?
Here’s the thing: while Mediterranean brome isn’t listed as invasive or noxious, it’s also not native to North America. As gardeners who care about supporting local ecosystems, we generally want to lean toward native plants whenever possible. Native grasses provide better support for local wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects that have evolved alongside them.
Growing Conditions and Care
If Mediterranean brome does show up in your landscape (which it might do on its own), it’s fairly adaptable. It can handle:
- Various soil types
- Full sun conditions
- Drought once established
- USDA hardiness zones approximately 6-10
Since it’s an annual, it will complete its life cycle in one season, setting seed and then dying back.
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of Mediterranean brome, consider these native grass options that will provide much more value to your local ecosystem:
- Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
- Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides)
- Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis)
- Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)
These native alternatives offer better wildlife habitat, deeper root systems that improve soil health, and they’re perfectly adapted to local climate conditions.
The Bottom Line
Mediterranean brome is one of those plants that exists in the gray area – it’s not terrible, but it’s not particularly beneficial either. If you’re planning a garden or landscape, you’ll get much more bang for your buck (and provide better environmental benefits) by choosing native grasses instead. Your local birds, butterflies, and other wildlife will definitely thank you for it!
Remember, every plant choice we make in our gardens is a vote for the kind of ecosystem we want to support. Why not cast your vote for the home team?
