Prairie brome
Bromus kalmii
Last reviewed: September 2026
Prairie brome (Bromus kalmii) is a perennial grass native to CT, DC, IA, IL and 17 more states. It blooms in June and July. The flowers draw wind pollinated.
Toxicity unknown
Prairie brome (Bromus kalmii) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
18"–36" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
CT, DC, IA, IL and 17 more states
Pollinators
wind pollinated
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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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A cool-season bunchgrass with soft blue-green foliage and open, drooping seed heads in early summer. Forms loose clumps in prairies and calcareous meadows rather than spreading aggressively.
Growing Prairie brome
Grow Prairie brome in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Seeds are eaten by songbirds and small mammals, and the foliage provides cover and larval habitat for grass-feeding skipper butterflies.
Common questions
- How much sun does Prairie brome need?
- Prairie brome grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Prairie brome bloom?
- Prairie brome blooms in June and July.
- Where is Prairie brome native?
- Prairie brome (Bromus kalmii) is native to CT, DC, IA, IL and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Prairie brome attract?
- Prairie brome draws wind pollinated.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Prairie brome? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.