Bromus marginatus (Mountain brome)

Cool season, short-lived, perennial bunchgrass adapted to a wide spectrum of relatively moist soils including thin, infertile sites. Intolerant of high water tables. Establishes quickly and easily on disturbed sites. Common on foothills and mountain valleys and has good shade tolerance. Performs well at elevations up to 10,500 ft. Good palatability to livestock and excellent wildlife forage. Varieties listed below.

DISTRIBUTION / ADAPTATION

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INFORMATION & ATTRIBUTES

Family: Poaceae

Duration: Perennial, short lived

Growth Habit: Graminoid

Native Status: Native

Season: Cool season

Growth Form: Bunchgrass

Mature Height: 48 in.

Annual Precipitation: 10-20 in.

Drought Tolerance: Medium

Shade Tolerance: Intolerant

Elevation:

Wetland Indicator Status:

Fire Resistance: No

Fire Tolerance: Low

SOIL ADAPTATION

Coarse Texture: Yes

Medium Texture: Yes

Fine Texture: No

Salinity Tolerance: High

CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium

pH Range: 5.5-8.0


SEEDING NOTES

Seeds per Pound: 64,000

Seeding Rate:  PLS lbs/acre 12-19

Season: Spring/Fall

Days to Germination:


VARIETIES & LOCAL ACCESSIONS

Bromar - Tall, leafy and late-maturing. Yields abundant forage and heavy seed. Used in mixtures throughout the western U.S. on upland or montane sites. (Released 1946, origin: Whitman County, WA)

Garnet - Good longevity, ease of establishment and productivity of both forage and seed. Exhibits better overall vigor and longevity than Bromar. Very winter hardy. Resistant to head smut. (Released 2000, origin: Powell County, MT)

UP Cold Springs - Source Identified selection originating on the Uncompahgre Plateau in western Colorado, averaging 16-18 in. annual precipitation.