Soft Brome

Bromus thominii

Physical Characteristics

Bromus thominii is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind, Cleistogomy (self-pollinating without flowers ever opening). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

W. Europe, from Britain and France to Scandanavia.

Habitats

Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Seed - cooked[257]. The seed can be dried, ground into a powder then mixed with water and eaten as a gruel[257]. The seed is small and fiddly to utilize[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known