Fringe Brome
Bromus ciliatus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AZ, CA, CO and 30 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Bromus ciliatus is a native prairie grass that forms medium-sized clumps with slender, arching stems. It produces delicate seed heads in summer and provides good texture in naturalized plantings. This cool-season grass goes dormant in winter, turning golden brown before dying back.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fringe 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.
- Genus includes weedy species that HOAs often prohibit
- Seed heads can appear messy or unkempt
- May be confused with invasive brome grasses
Wildlife value
While not a major pollinator plant, this grass provides nesting material for birds and shelter for beneficial insects. The seeds are eaten by various songbirds and small mammals.
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.
Does Fringe Brome fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.