Description

This adaptable grass is found throughout California and western North America. Following summer dormancy, the plant sends up wide, arching blades in an open clump. The flower stocks appear in mid-spring. Clusters of nodding seed heads mature from green and purple to straw yellow. The open appearance of California brome recommends a mass planting, perhaps in a location where the spring appearance and graceful seedheads can be appreciated in their season, but the summer dormancy will be less noticeable. The plants may be trimmed back to any degree to improve the summer appearance. Some seed should be allowed to mature and fall to sustain the planting, since California brome can be short lived.