Mountain Brome
Bromus marginatus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–48" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 17 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Mountain brome is a native bunch grass that forms upright clumps with graceful seed heads in summer. It grows 2-4 feet tall and tolerates drought once established, making it useful for naturalized areas and erosion control.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mountain 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.
- Tall growth looks weedy to many HOAs
- Seed heads can appear unkempt
- Too informal for typical front yard standards
Wildlife value
The seeds provide food for birds and small mammals. As a native grass, it offers nesting material and habitat for ground-dwelling insects.
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 Mountain Brome fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.