Slender False Brome
One of the first plants to emerge in spring, slender false brome has a competitive advantage over native understory species. Dense, sprawling mats crowd and shade out native herbaceous plants. Fall senescence results in a thick layer of dead thatch material that can increase the risk of wildfires.
Common Name: Slender false brome
Scientific Name: Brachypodium sylvaticum
Native Range: Europe, Asia, North Africa
Background
Slender false brome is a perennial bunch grass that grows up to 2 ½ feet tall. Leaves are bright green, 1/4-inch wide and floppy. When closely examined, fine white hairs can be detected along the edge of the leaves and lower stems. Plants bloom between June and September, producing pale green spikes that release hundreds of seeds.
Habitat
Slender false brome is a forest understory and open grassland invader. It can thrive in a variety of soil moisture and is known to occur in full sun or shade.
NYS Distribution Map
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Identification
Slender false brome has a bunching growth habit. Its bright-green leaves can reach up to 2 ½ feet tall and its roots have a faint wintergreen aroma.
Impact
One of the first plants to emerge in spring, slender false brome has a competitive advantage over native understory species. Dense, sprawling mats crowd and shade out native herbaceous plants. Fall senescence results in a thick layer of dead thatch material that can increase the risk of wildfires.
Prevention and Control
Small infestations can be managed by hand pulling of digging prior to seed set. Be sure to bag and solarize all plant material prior to disposal in a landfill. Larger infestations can be treated using a selective foliar spray of glyphosate or triclopyr based herbicide. All management options will require several years of follow-up treatment.
