Appearance

Bromus secalinus is an annual grass that can grow from 17.7-39.4 in (45-100 cm) tall. It is native to Africa, temperate Asia, and parts of Europe. It has been introduced to Australia, North America, Hawaii, and South America.

Foliage

The erect central culm is unbranched with 4-8 leaves alternate along the its length. The medium green leaf blades are about 0.3 in (7 mm) across and 9 in (23 cm) long.

Flowers

The flower is an open panicle of spikelets up to 7 in (18 cm) long and 4 in (10 cm) across. The branches of the panicle are either bilateral or droop to one side and are organized along the central axis.

Fruit

The seeds are large grains that are linear-oblongoid in shape.

Ecological Threat

B. secalinus is seen invading disturbed areas such as dry prairies, limestone glades, disturbed grassy meadows, vacant lots, abandoned fields, cropland, areas along railroads, and waste areas. It is weedy and aggressive.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council - Category 4
• Invasive Plant Species of West Virginia
• Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
• Native Plant Society of Oregon, 2008
• Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States
• West Virginia Invasive Species Strategic Plan and Volunteer Guidelines 2014
• West Virginia Native Plant Society, Flora West Virginia Project, and West Virginia Curatorial Database System, September 3, 1999

References