Columbia brome
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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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.
- 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 Columbia brome? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.