Smooth Brome: A Hardy Perennial Grass for Practical Landscapes
If you’re looking for a tough, no-nonsense grass that can handle almost anything Mother Nature throws at it, smooth brome (Bromus inermis inermis) might catch your attention. This perennial grass has earned a reputation as one of the most adaptable and persistent grasses in North America, though it comes with some important considerations for the environmentally conscious gardener.
What is Smooth Brome?
Smooth brome is a perennial grass that originally hails from Eurasia but has made itself thoroughly at home across North America. Despite its name suggesting otherwise, this hardy grass has established itself as a permanent resident from Alaska to the southern United States, thriving in an impressive range of climates and conditions.
This grass gets its smooth moniker from its relatively hairless leaves and stems, distinguishing it from some of its more fuzzy grass relatives. As a perennial, it returns year after year, forming dense stands that can persist for decades with minimal care.
Where Does Smooth Brome Grow?
Smooth brome has an extensive range across North America, growing in virtually every U.S. state and Canadian province. From the harsh conditions of Alaska and the Northwest Territories to the heat of Texas and Georgia, this adaptable grass has proven it can handle diverse climates and growing conditions. It’s equally at home in the prairies of Saskatchewan as it is in the hills of Vermont.
Should You Plant Smooth Brome in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. Smooth brome is incredibly useful for specific purposes, but it’s important to understand what you’re getting into before planting it in your landscape.
The Case for Smooth Brome:
- Excellent for erosion control on slopes and disturbed areas
- Extremely drought tolerant once established
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Handles foot traffic reasonably well
- Thrives in USDA zones 3-9
- Adaptable to various soil types
The Case for Caution:
- As a non-native species, it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as native grasses
- Can spread aggressively and may crowd out native plants
- Offers limited benefits to native pollinators and wildlife
- Once established, it can be difficult to remove if you change your mind
Growing Smooth Brome Successfully
If you decide smooth brome fits your landscaping needs, you’ll find it refreshingly easy to grow. This grass thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide range of soil conditions, from clay to sandy soils.
Planting Tips:
- Sow seeds in early spring or fall
- Plant at a depth of about ¼ to ½ inch
- Keep soil moist until germination occurs (typically 7-14 days)
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart if using transplants
Care and Maintenance:
- Water regularly the first year to establish strong roots
- Once established, it’s remarkably drought tolerant
- Mow annually in late fall or early spring to maintain appearance
- Fertilization is rarely needed on average soils
Native Alternatives to Consider
Before committing to smooth brome, consider these native grass alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems:
- Buffalo grass (Poaceae family) for drought tolerance
- Little bluestem for erosion control and wildlife habitat
- Western wheatgrass for harsh, dry conditions
- Prairie dropseed for fine texture and easy care
The Bottom Line
Smooth brome is undeniably practical for specific landscaping challenges, particularly erosion control and low-maintenance ground cover in tough conditions. However, as gardeners become increasingly aware of the importance of supporting native ecosystems, it’s worth weighing the practical benefits against the ecological trade-offs.
If you choose to plant smooth brome, use it thoughtfully and consider containing its spread to prevent it from wandering into areas where native plants might be displaced. Better yet, explore native alternatives that can provide similar benefits while supporting the birds, butterflies, and other wildlife that call your region home.
Remember, every plant choice is an opportunity to create habitat and support biodiversity – smooth brome may solve your immediate landscaping challenge, but native grasses can solve that same challenge while contributing to a healthier local ecosystem.
