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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.

Prairie brome (Bromus kalmii)
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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 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Prairie brome.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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