Edge/ Japanese Brome

COMMON NAME: Japanese Brome

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Spreading Brome Grass, Japanese Chess

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Bromus japonicus

FAMILY: Poaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Naturalized from Europe and Asia

LIFESPAN: Annual

HEIGHT: 6 to 40 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Early May to late August, mostly in June

FRUITING TIME: Early May to late August, mostly in June

DISTRIBUTION: New Hampshire to Georgia ~ Throughout Coastal Plain outside the Pine Barrens in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Spikelet with several flowers up to 15 inches long ~ Drooping branches, hairy

GENERAL INFORMATION: This genus Bromus is the Greek name for Oat.  The species japonicus means “of Japan”. Thirty-six bromegrasses, or bromes, are found in the United States, about one-half the number in the world.  The species is best represented in the Far West on the open ranges. The good sized seeds of Japanese Brome are eaten by many birds and rodents.  The leaves or other parts of the plant are consumed by hoofed browsers (deer, antelope, elk etc), especially while the plants are young. The plant is a weed of waste ground and stream sides.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.