Spanish Brome
Bromus madritensis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Spanish Brome (Bromus madritensis) 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
low
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native alternatives to Spanish Brome
Spanish 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 areaSpanish brome is a short annual grass that grows in clumps and produces seed heads in spring. This non-native species is considered an invasive weed that can quickly spread and outcompete desirable plants.
In an HOA neighborhood
Spanish Brome takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Invasive weed species
- Dies back creating unsightly brown patches
- Can spread aggressively to neighboring properties
Wildlife value
Provides minimal wildlife value and can actually harm native ecosystems by displacing beneficial native plants that support local wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Spanish Brome need?
- Spanish Brome grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Spanish Brome bloom?
- Spanish Brome blooms in April, May, and June.
- Is Spanish Brome HOA-friendly?
- Spanish 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.
- 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 Spanish Brome? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz