Bromus tectorum aka June Grass

Bromus tectorum is an annual grass in the Poaceae family. Its common names include cheatgrass, downy chess, and drooping brome. Its native range spans Europe and much of temperate Asia. It reaches Mongolia, China, the Mediterranean region, and the Arabian Peninsula. Kew places it in the temperate climate zone. The RHS lists it as non-native to Britain and Ireland. Records also place it on roadsides and disturbed ground in eastern North America.

The plant grows to about 3.3 feet (1 metre) tall. As an annual, it completes its life cycle within one year. Its flowers contain both male and female organs. Wind carries pollen between the flowers. The seeds are small and have recorded food uses. Its awns pose a separate hazard for grazing animals. These bristles can cause physical wounds rather than chemical poisoning. This distinction matters when judging its value as forage.

Plants For A Future recommends sun and soil that drains well. The plant does not grow in shade, according to that source. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It also grows in ground with few nutrients. Suitable soil reactions range from neutral to mildly alkaline. It can tolerate salty soil as well. Its moisture range includes both dry and moist ground. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 7–10. It also gives a UK zone of 8.

Seed provides the means of raising new plants. Plants For A Future gives spring or autumn as sowing seasons. Seeds need only a thin cover of soil. The source gives about two weeks for germination. It lists cultivated beds as a possible growing site. However, it also flags the species as a weed. Its presence on roadsides and waste ground adds context to that warning. The evidence does not establish an ornamental role beyond this bed listing.

People have cooked the seeds into gruel during food shortages. Roasted seeds have also served as a coffee substitute. These uses earn a low food-use rating from Plants For A Future. The same source records leaves used for bedding. It also notes substantial forage use on some western US rangelands. A traditional treatment uses seed paste on the chest for pain. That record describes a use, not proof of medical benefit.