How much sun does Nodding Brome need?

Nodding Brome grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Nodding Brome bloom?

Nodding Brome blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Nodding Brome native?

Nodding Brome (Bromus anomalus) is native to NM, TX, WY, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Nodding Brome toxic to livestock?

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

Is Nodding Brome HOA-friendly?

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

Nodding Brome

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Bromus anomalus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Nodding Brome (Bromus anomalus) 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 Nodding Brome as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

NM, TX, WY

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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Southwestern Tablelands Madrean Archipelago

Nodding brome is a native bunch grass that forms compact clumps with slender stems and delicate seed heads. This drought-tolerant perennial grows moderately tall and blooms from late spring through summer. It provides natural texture to landscape plantings.

In an HOA neighborhood

Nodding 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.

Nodding seed heads can appear messy
May be perceived as weedy by traditional standards
Dormant season appearance is very informal

Wildlife value

This native grass provides important habitat and nesting material for birds. The seeds feed small mammals and ground-dwelling birds throughout fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Nodding Brome need?: Nodding Brome grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Nodding Brome bloom?: Nodding Brome blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Nodding Brome native?: Nodding Brome (Bromus anomalus) is native to NM, TX, WY, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Nodding Brome toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Nodding Brome as toxic to livestock.
Is Nodding Brome HOA-friendly?: Nodding 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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

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