Cheatgrass - Bromus tectorum (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images)

Cheatgrass

Also known as: Drooping brome

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) is a winter annual grass native to parts of Europe, Asia and Africa, but invasive in the rest of the world. It is a problem weed in parts of North America, where it can increase fire danger. It germinates in winter and lasts about 8 weeks. It produces an abundance of seeds that germinate the following year, spreading aggressively.

Scientific classification

Species

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum)

Grasses, sedges and allies

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Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Summer

Harvest Time

40 cm to 90 cm

Plant Height

12 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

Purple

Stem Color

Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Cheatgrass

Distribution of Cheatgrass

Distribution Map

Cheatgrass is native to various regions in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and temperate Asia. As for its introduced range, cheatgrass has established itself in several major regions across continents, which include parts of North and South America, Northern Europe, and East Asia. While cheatgrass has become invasive in some areas, it may sometimes be considered to have an impact on local ecosystems, particularly in regions where its growth competes with native flora.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Roadsides, waste places, thatched roofs

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Weed Control

Cheatgrass(Bromus tectorum) is a known weed in many parts of the world including Europe, North America, Australia and Asia. Cheatgrass germinates and grows rapidly and produces vast quantities of seeds (sometimes more than 300 seeds per plant!) which are quickly spread by wind, animals or through crop harvesting.

How to Control It

The ideal season for removal of cheatgrass is spring, preferably before the plant has produced seed heads, which generally happens in late spring or early summer.

Hand Pulling: This is a great method for smaller infestations. Wear protective gloves, grasp the plant at the base near the soil line, and pull up to ensure you remove the entire root system. Remember to bag and dispose of the plants properly to prevent re-infestation.
Mowing: You can use this method in larger areas. Mow the cheatgrass shortly after it turns green and before it produces seeds, which is usually in late spring. Repeat mowing often to prevent the seeds from maturing.
Smothering: Cover the infested area with a dense material such as a tarp or heavy-duty garden fabric. Completely block out sunlight by keeping the cover in place for at least a full growing season. This method can be used in conjunction with others for even greater efficacy.
Vinegar solution: This is a more eco-friendly herbicide. Spray a solution of 10% vinegar onto the cheatgrass, making sure to fully saturate the plant. The vinegar will burn the foliage and kill the plant. Repeat as necessary until you reach the desired level of control.
Planting Competitive Plants: Choose plants that will naturally compete with cheatgrass for resources. These plants should be hardy, fast-growing, and able to choke out cheatgrass before it can establish. Make sure to water and care for these plants to ensure they can effectively out-compete cheatgrass.

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Care Guide for Cheatgrass

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Adapting to arid environments, cheatgrass conserves water and prefers dry conditions, requiring weekly watering for balance. As an invasive species, it thrives in multiple climates but necessitates careful soil moisture management to avoid excessive growth during its vigorous growing season.

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Images of Cheatgrass

Distribution of Cheatgrass

Weed Control

Care Guide for Cheatgrass

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