How much sun does Mountain Brome need?

Mountain Brome grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Mountain Brome bloom?

Mountain Brome blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Mountain Brome native?

Mountain Brome (Bromus marginatus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Mountain Brome toxic to livestock?

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

Is Mountain Brome HOA-friendly?

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

Mountain Brome

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Bromus marginatus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Mountain Brome (Bromus marginatus) 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.

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

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

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 445 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

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Mountain Brome need?: Mountain Brome grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Mountain Brome bloom?: Mountain Brome blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Mountain Brome native?: Mountain Brome (Bromus marginatus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Mountain Brome toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Mountain Brome as toxic to livestock.
Is Mountain Brome HOA-friendly?: Mountain 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.

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

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