Cheat
Bromus secalinus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 43 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Cheat 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.
- Where is Cheat native?
- Cheat (Bromus secalinus) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 43 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Cheat? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz