Rescuegrass
Bromus catharticus · Cool-season, Annual (sometimes short-lived perennial), C3
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Pooideae, tribe Bromeae
Grass Category
Pasture/Forage Grass, Weed, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common variety (not typically sold as a specific lawn cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6-10. It is winter-hardy in southern climates and persists as a winter annual.
About This Grass
A tall, coarse-textured grass growing 12-40 inches high. It is characterized by its large, flattened, drooping seed heads (panicles) that appear early in the spring. Color is typically a pale to medium green, turning straw-colored upon maturity in late spring or early summer.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are coarse, 4-12mm wide, and flat. They feature a prominent midrib and are often sparsely hairy on the upper surface. Tip is pointed. Vernation is rolled in the bud. Ligule is membranous (2-5mm long) and usually frayed; auricles are absent.
Root System
Fibrous root system; relatively shallow compared to perennials. Rapid establishment from seed allows it to outcompete other species in early spring. Does not form a dense sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to South America (Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil); naturalized throughout North America, especially the Southern United States and California.
Growth Habit
Bunch-type (clump-forming) with an upright, erect growth habit; no rhizomes or stolons.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade. High water needs during germination and active spring growth; low drought tolerance in summer as it typically dies back or goes dormant as temperatures rise.
Mowing & Maintenance
Not suitable for low-cut lawns; ideal height is 3 inches or higher if used for forage. In lawns, it is considered a weed and requires frequent mowing to prevent seed head formation. Low to medium maintenance if used for pasture.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional winter and early spring growth; high wear tolerance for livestock grazing; highly resistant to many common turf diseases but susceptible to head smut. Known for its ability to re-seed itself aggressively in disturbed soils.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Invasive in many regions; provides early spring forage for livestock and seeds for birds. It is often found in disturbed sites, roadsides, and neglected lawns. Can be used in blends for temporary erosion control due to fast germination.