Mountain Brome
Bromus marginatus
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Pl. A0D4 — Bromus marginatus
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IOverview
Overview
Mountain Brome (Bromus marginatus) is a perennial grass native to regions including Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. This plant thrives in diverse habitats across North America and Central America, from dry to moist conditions and light to partial shade. Known for its edible seed, it can be found growing up to 1 meter tall in soils ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), with a preferred pH level of 5.5 to 8. Its distinctive feature is the way it adapts to various environments, making it a versatile and resilient species in both natural landscapes and cultivated settings.
Quick answers
What is Mountain Brome?
Mountain Brome (Bromus marginatus) is a perennial grass native to regions including Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Costa Rica, and El Salvador.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mountain Brome thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but can also grow in moist conditions. This perennial grass reaches a height of 1 meter and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, seeds can be sown directly in the garden. Maintain soil pH between 5.5 and 8 for best growth. Harvest the edible seed heads for culinary use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Mountain Brome for the first time
8steps
Start with Mountain Brome as a simple, low-maintenance perennial grass.
- 1
What you'll need
Mountain Brome seeds or seedlings, garden tools like a trowel and rake.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil, either light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure full sun to partial shade exposure.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep in rows spaced about 12-18 inches apart. For seedlings, space them similarly.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs, which takes around 7 to 14 days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water sparingly once established, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in early spring to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, neglecting to mulch, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The Mountain Brome's seeds are edible and can be harvested for consumption. Typically, they are prepared by drying before being ground into flour or eaten raw. SKIP
Other uses:Crafting
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Americas4 regions
native (4)Costa RicaEl SalvadorGuatemalaHonduras
Broader regions
native:Connecticut, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Utah
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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