Cheat
Bromus secalinus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Cheat (Bromus secalinus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native alternatives to Cheat
Cheat is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaCheat is an annual grass that grows in upright clumps reaching up to 3 feet tall. This weedy species produces drooping seed heads during summer months and tends to colonize disturbed soils. It's considered an agricultural pest and invasive weed rather than a desirable landscaping plant.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cheat takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Considered a weedy agricultural pest
- Informal appearance inappropriate for maintained landscapes
- Annual growth creates gaps and bare spots
Wildlife value
Provides minimal wildlife value as seeds may feed some birds and small mammals. Offers little to no pollinator support since grasses are wind-pollinated.
Common questions
- How much sun does Cheat need?
- Cheat grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Cheat bloom?
- Cheat blooms in May, June, and July.
- Is Cheat HOA-friendly?
- Cheat takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Cheat? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz