Californian Brome
Bromus carinatus
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Pl. 5847 — Bromus carinatus
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IOverview
Overview
Californian Brome, scientifically known as Bromus carinatus, is a hardy annual or biennial grass native to Cyprus and found in various regions including Alberta, British Columbia, California, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, tolerating both dry and moist conditions, and prefers light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. Standing at about 0.8 meters tall, it is known for its edible seeds, making it a valuable resource in areas where it grows. Its adaptability to different habitats and climates contributes to its widespread presence across its native range.
Quick answers
What is Californian Brome?
Californian Brome, scientifically known as Bromus carinatus, is a hardy annual or biennial grass native to Cyprus and found in various regions including Alberta, British Columbia, California, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Californian Brome thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but also grows well in moist conditions. The plant is hardy in zones 4-8 and reaches a height of about 0.8 meters. As an annual or biennial, it requires regular harvesting of its edible seed parts for consumption. Skip if not suitable for your climate or soil type.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual, Biennial
Mature size
0.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Californian Brome for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Californian Brome in a sunny spot, as it thrives in full to partial sun and can handle various soil types.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds of Californian Brome.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds in spring or fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil, as it can grow in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep and 6-12 inches apart. Water lightly after sowing.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist until germination, which usually takes about 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart once they have grown.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water sparingly as it prefers dry conditions but ensure moisture during establishment. Mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late winter to maintain plant health and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to thin seedlings.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The seeds of the Californian Brome are edible and can be harvested for consumption. They are typically prepared by drying before being ground into flour or used in various culinary applications such as baking. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 9 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 9 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 21 native· 9 introduced
Europe1 region
native (1)Cyprus
Americas8 regions
native (6)Costa RicaEl SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasPeruVenezuela
introduced (2)El SalvadorGuatemala
Broader regions
native:Mexico Gulf, British Columbia, Oregon, Yukon, California, Mexico Northwest, New Mexico, Washington, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Texas, Alberta
introduced:New Mexico, Mexico Southwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Northwest, British Columbia, Mexico Northeast, Yukon
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 58471554-b188-439f-b5b4-6009649169aa
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