Bromus carinatus aka California Brome

Bromus carinatus belongs to Poaceae, the grass family. Its names include California brome and mountain brome. Its native range runs from Yukon through Central America. The range also includes Venezuela and Peru. It grows in moist woods, dry meadows, and sagebrush hills. Some plants grow near the timber line. Sources call it annual, biennial, or perennial. These terms mean it lives one, two, or more years. It has also become naturalized at some sites in Britain.

This grass grows in tufts with no rhizomes. These are stems that spread beneath the soil. The reported garden height is about 2.6 feet (0.8 metres). Clumps reach about 2 feet (0.6 metres) wide. The stems stand upright or curve outward. Its flat leaves range from bright green to blue-green. Leaves and stems may be smooth or have sparse hairs. Short ligules form thin flaps where leaves meet stems.

The flower head forms a loose, nodding panicle, or branched cluster. It holds flat spikelets, each with several flowers. The lemmas have clear awns at their tips. Flower heads turn from green to straw-brown as they age. The flowers lack showy parts and give no nectar. Wind moves pollen, but closed flowers can pollinate themselves too. Plants can set seed with no other plant nearby. The small grain fruits have the name caryopses.

Grow California brome in sun or light woodland shade. It accepts sand, loam, and clay that drain well. It grows in soils from slightly acid to slightly alkaline. Soil can be dry or moist, and plants withstand drought. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 3–9. Sow seeds in spring or autumn with a light cover. They may sprout within two weeks. You can also split clumps in spring. The species has some weed potential.

California brome helps restore damaged ground and curb soil loss. Its dense, fibrous roots hold soil and help water soak in. Deer, elk, and livestock graze the leaves. Small mammals and birds that feed on the ground eat seeds. Clumps give birds and insects cover. People cook the seeds or grind them for bread and porridge. The small seeds take time to harvest and clean. Remove the sharp awns and chaff before eating the grain. These parts can irritate the mouth and throat. Throw out moldy or darkened seeds, which may contain fungal toxins. PFAF also warns of possible concerns for people with gluten sensitivity. It reports no known medicinal use.