Woodland brome
Bromus laevipes
Last reviewed: November 2026
Woodland brome (Bromus laevipes) is a perennial grass native to CA, NV, OR, WA. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw wind pollinated.

Toxicity unknown
Woodland brome (Bromus laevipes) 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
part shade
Water
medium
Size
24"–40" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CA, NV, OR, WA
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 461 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
Woodland brome is a clumping perennial grass with soft, drooping leaf blades and open flower panicles that emerge in late spring. It grows in the shaded understory of woodlands.
Growing Woodland brome
Grow Woodland brome in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 40 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.
Wildlife value
As a wind-pollinated grass it offers no nectar, but its foliage and seed heads provide food and cover for small birds and insects, including some grass-feeding skipper caterpillars.
Common questions
- How much sun does Woodland brome need?
- Woodland brome grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Woodland brome bloom?
- Woodland brome blooms in May and June.
- Where is Woodland brome native?
- Woodland brome (Bromus laevipes) is native to CA, NV, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Woodland brome attract?
- Woodland brome draws wind pollinated.
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.
- 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 Woodland brome? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
