For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

Fringed brome (Bromus ciliatus) is a perennial grass forming loose tufts 60 to 120 cm tall. Its fine, upright stems bear flat leaves that range from light to dark green and are slightly hairy along the margins — a distinctive feature of the species. The inflorescence is a large, flexible, drooping panicle whose elongated spikelets turn from pale green to golden brown at maturity. This graceful grass is recognizable by its long, tapered spikelets and its soft texture.

In Quebec, fringed brome grows in wet meadows, ditches, riverbanks, and forest edges. It prefers rich, fresh to moist soils but can also tolerate somewhat drier substrates if they are not poor. Its cold resistance allows it to thrive in most boreal and temperate regions of the country.

Sociability index: 3 → Indicates the plant’s behaviour in space and its interactions with other plants.

Ecological roles
Fringed brome contributes to soil stabilization in wetlands and along waterways. Its fibrous root system reduces erosion and helps retain water in meadows and ditches. During flowering, it provides shelter and resources for numerous insects, while its seeds serve as food for many granivorous bird species, including sparrows and buntings. It is a valuable species for revegetating disturbed sites, where it establishes quickly without becoming invasive.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.