Bromus ciliatus

Fringed Brome

Field view of droopy Bromus ciliatus, common name Fringed Brome. There are several droopy bromes.

The spikelets of most bromes are noticeably larger than other species. Each of these is one spikelet with many florets.

One typical drooping panicle of Fringed Brome. Looks just like most bromes until you check closely.

The large spikelets are awned.

Once you determine that it is a large-spiked brome, check the fringe of tiny hairs and the length of anthers.

Roots of Fringed Brome

How to Identify Fringed Brome

  First determine that it is a brome. The spikelets of bromes are large and lanceolate or torpedo-like, containing many overlapping florets. Next look closely to find the fringe of hairs on the lemmas. Finally, you must measure the lengths of the tiny anthers. They are less than two millimeters long.

Similar Species

  Almost all the 28 Arizona bromes are somewhat similar! Fortunately, many of them have distinctive features. But Fringed Brome and Richardson's Brome both have the fringe of hairs on the lemmas, so you must then measure the anthers. These are longer on Richardson's Brome, usually over 2 millimeters.