Identification and Reproduction

Identification:

• Slender false brome is a perennial bunch grass that grows up to 0.4 m tall. 
• Leaf blades tend to droop and are lime-green in colour. It is remains green through the summer. 

• Lower stem is covered in thin hairs. 
• Inflorescence are drooping and composed of long spikelets are long on short pedicels. Flowers from May through July.
• Long awns are found at the end of the spikelets. 

Reproduction:

• It reproduces by seed and does not spread by rhizomes but stem and root fragments can still regrow.
• Seeds can be carried on animals, humans and vehicles. 

Habitat & Ecology

• This plant has begun to invade shaded forest edges, open grassland and roadsides. 
• It grows well in both shade and sun to moist and dry soils. 
• Although it does not spread vegetatively, individual plants grow close together forming dense patches. 
• There has been one confirmed site in BC; Cowichan Valley. 

Impacts

Ecological: 

• It easily out-competes native forest understory and grassland species. 
• Studies have shown that slender false brome suppresses survival and growth of conifer seedlings. Their roots halt seedling germination and are quick to absorb water. 
• Forms thick stands altering habitat and biodiversity of the landscape. 

Management

Prevention is a high priority for this plant.

• Avoid transporting unknown soil or plant material.  
• Ensure that shoes, pets, equipment, vehicles and tools are clean and free of debris. 
• Please report any suspected plants. 

Resources

For more for details check out the Invasive Species Compendium datasheet on Brachypodium sylvaticum. 

Download the BC Invasive Species Alert! for Slender False-Brome here. 

Header photo (Stefan.lefnaer).