Where is Bromus ciliatus native?

Fringe Brome is native to most US states, from coast to coast including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, and many others across the northern and western regions.

When does Fringe Brome bloom?

Bromus ciliatus blooms during summer months from June through August.

What growing conditions does Fringe Brome prefer?

This native grass is quite adaptable, tolerating full sun to partial shade and varying moisture levels from wet to dry conditions.

Is Fringe Brome toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Fringe Brome as toxic to livestock.

Is Fringe Brome HOA-friendly?

Fringe Brome takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Fringe Brome

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Bromus ciliatus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Bromus ciliatus (Fringe Brome) is a native grass found across most US states that blooms June through August. This adaptable species tolerates various light and moisture conditions.

Fringe Brome (Bromus ciliatus) — Photo: Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Fringe Brome as toxic to livestock.

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

Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts

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.

Growing Fringe Brome

Grow Fringe Brome in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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.

Common questions

Where is Bromus ciliatus native?: Fringe Brome is native to most US states, from coast to coast including Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, and many others across the northern and western regions.
When does Fringe Brome bloom?: Bromus ciliatus blooms during summer months from June through August.
What growing conditions does Fringe Brome prefer?: This native grass is quite adaptable, tolerating full sun to partial shade and varying moisture levels from wet to dry conditions.
Is Fringe Brome toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Fringe Brome as toxic to livestock.
Is Fringe Brome HOA-friendly?: Fringe 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 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 Fringe Brome? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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