Cheatgrass
Bromus tectorum · Cool-season, Annual, C3 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Bromeae
Grass Category
Invasive/Weed Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Wild type, no standard cultivated varieties
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, highly adaptable to cold winters and hot, dry summers.
About This Grass
Slender annual grass growing 6 to 24 inches tall. Light green when young, turning completely straw-colored or reddish-purple upon maturity and drying out early in the summer, creating high wildfire risks.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium blades, flat, soft and pubescent (hairy) on both surfaces. Rolled in the bud (vernation). Membranous ligule, lacks auricles.
Root System
Shallow, fibrous root system that rapidly depletes surface moisture and nutrients, establishing very quickly from seed in disturbed soils.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Eurasia, widely naturalized across North America and other temperate regions
Growth Habit
Bunch-type, densely tufted annual, highly prolific seed producer
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun required. Very low water needs once established, exceptionally drought tolerant by completing its life cycle before summer drought hits.
Mowing & Maintenance
Generally unmanaged; high maintenance if attempting eradication due to rapid seed set. Mowing before seed heads form can help control spread.
Special Characteristics
Highly invasive, rapid seed dispersal, extreme fire hazard when dry, low palatability for livestock once mature due to sharp awns.
Ecological Information
Introduced invasive species in North America, outcompetes native vegetation, provides poor long-term wildlife forage, and drastically alters natural fire regimes.