Bromus pubescens, the hairy woodland brome or hairy wood chess, is a grass species found across much of the eastern and central United States, as well as in Arizona, Québec and Ontario.Bromus pubescens is a perennial grass up to 1.2 m (4 feet) tall. Leaf blades are up to 30 cm (12 inches) long and 15 mm (0.6 inches) across. Spikelets are drooping, up to 3 cm (1.2 inches) long, lacking awns on the glumes.
Hairy woodland brome has strong resistance to disease and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this species is relatively low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Hairy woodland brome is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand much prior care experience.
How to keep Bromus Pubescens.
Light
Hairy woodland brome is native to habitats like forest understories or rocky sites, where it commonly grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, showing its versatile and hardy nature.
Temperature
Hairy woodland brome can tolerate a broad range of temperatures, yet its range may still be constrained by various combinations of moisture and heat. It performs best in warm summer conditions with sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Extended stretches of cloudy, rainy weather or sustained high temperatures can raise the chance of Hairy woodland brome dying. During winter, adequate protection from cold increases the plant's chances of survival.
Fertilizer
Hairy woodland brome needs extra nutrients to encourage healthy new growth. In spring, applying compost around the base of the plant can effectively supply the nutrition it requires. Fertilizing supports vigorous growth and improves the plant’s resistance to diseases and pests.
Pruning
The shade-tolerant hairy woodland brome is characterized by its fine, hairy leaves. It benefits greatly from early spring pruning, where you trim it close to the ground. This practice helps rejuvenate the plant, control its spread, and prevent self-seeding. As a result, it encourages denser foliage and maintains a tidy appearance, all while supporting the plant's overall health.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Grass
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Bromus
- Family
- Poaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-8
- Mature Height
- 0.61 m to 1.52 m
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Light Green, Olive Drab
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White, Yellow, Green, Brown
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall
