How much sun does Columbia brome need?

Columbia brome grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Columbia brome bloom?

Columbia brome blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Columbia brome native?

Columbia brome (Bromus vulgaris) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Columbia brome

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Bromus vulgaris

Last reviewed: September 2026

Columbia brome (Bromus vulgaris) is a perennial grass native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July.

Toxicity unknown

Columbia brome (Bromus vulgaris) 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

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–40" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states

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 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts

A cool-season bunchgrass with drooping flower clusters and soft, arching foliage. It grows in the dappled shade of coniferous forests, forming loose clumps rather than a solid turf.

Growing Columbia brome

Grow Columbia brome in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 40 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its seeds provide food for birds and small mammals in forest understories.

Common questions

How much sun does Columbia brome need?: Columbia brome grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Columbia brome bloom?: Columbia brome blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Columbia brome native?: Columbia brome (Bromus vulgaris) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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