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Earlyleaf Brome

Bromus latiglumis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Earlyleaf Brome (Bromus latiglumis)
Photo: Reuven Martin / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Toxicity unknown

Earlyleaf Brome (Bromus latiglumis) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CT, DE, IA, IL and 24 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

High PlainsCentral Great PlainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsNorthern PiedmontRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Earlyleaf brome is a native grass that forms modest clumps reaching up to 3 feet tall. It produces delicate seed heads during summer months and thrives in partial sun with moderate moisture. This cool-season perennial provides gentle texture and movement in the landscape.

In an HOA neighborhood

Earlyleaf Brome 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.

  • Looks wild and weedy to most people
  • Seed heads can appear messy
  • May be mistaken for invasive grasses

Wildlife value

As a native grass, it provides nesting material and shelter for small birds and beneficial insects. The seeds offer food for various songbirds and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Earlyleaf Brome need?
Earlyleaf Brome grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Earlyleaf Brome bloom?
Earlyleaf Brome blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Earlyleaf Brome native?
Earlyleaf Brome (Bromus latiglumis) is native to CT, DE, IA, IL and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Earlyleaf Brome HOA-friendly?
Earlyleaf Brome 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 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Earlyleaf Brome? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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