Downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.)

Downy brome description

Roots are fibrous and stems are erect. Leaves are wide, flat and have hair on both surfaces. Sheath is haired and closed on the lower leaf. Theligule at the junction of the sheath and blade is membranous and prominent with a frayed margin.

Seedling

Young leaves are bright green, softly haired and have a sheath with prominent membranous ligule on the inner side of the leaf. Leaves are usually twisted, long and thin.

Mature plant

Stems erect or spreading, slender, 4 to 30 inches at maturity, often in tufts from the base.

Leave short, membranous ligules with frayed edges. Mature leaves wide, flat, not twisted, hairy on both surfaces. Sheaths hairy, closed, forming a tube around lower leaves.

Root structure description

Fibrous, with roots from stem nodes.