How much sun does Smooth Brome need?

Smooth Brome grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Smooth Brome bloom?

Smooth Brome blooms in May, June, and July.

What pollinators does Smooth Brome attract?

Smooth Brome draws bees and beetles.

Is Smooth Brome HOA-friendly?

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

Smooth Brome

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Bromus racemosus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Smooth Brome (Bromus racemosus) 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

12"–36" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Smooth Brome

Smooth Brome is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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.

Find rebates in your area

Smooth brome is a cool-season perennial grass that forms dense clumps reaching 12-36 inches tall. It produces seed heads from May through July and thrives in full sun with moderate water needs.

In an HOA neighborhood

Smooth 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.

Non-native species may not align with native landscaping goals
Can appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
Seed heads may look messy during extended bloom period

Wildlife value

The grass provides nectar and pollen for bees and beetles during its summer blooming period. Its dense growth habit offers some shelter for small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Smooth Brome need?: Smooth Brome grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Smooth Brome bloom?: Smooth Brome blooms in May, June, and July.
What pollinators does Smooth Brome attract?: Smooth Brome draws bees and beetles.
Is Smooth Brome HOA-friendly?: Smooth Brome takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz