Cheatgrass
Bromus tectorum
Also listed as Anisantha tectorum, Bromus lateripronus
Also known as Downy Brome, Drooping Brome, Downy Chess
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An invasive annual brome grass with fine, soft leaves and nodding seed heads. It germinates in fall, grows vigorously in spring, and dies back by early summer.
Why grow it
Cheatgrass is occasionally retained in permaculture systems as a cool-season cover crop or nurse crop where better alternatives are unavailable, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Its rapid spring growth and early senescence can suppress summer weeds and improve soil structure, though most practitioners prefer native perennial grasses or legume-based cover crops that offer longer-term soil building and wildlife value.
Watch out for
This species establishes readily from seed and can persist in the seedbank for several years, making it difficult to exclude from adjacent plantings if not managed closely. Its dense spring growth may compete with slower-establishing perennial species if timing and density are not carefully controlled.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean, Central Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
An invasive annual brome grass with fine, soft leaves and nodding seed heads. It germinates in fall, grows vigorously in spring, and dies back by early summer.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cheatgrass grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Cheatgrass is occasionally retained in permaculture systems as a cool-season cover crop or nurse crop where better alternatives are unavailable, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Its rapid spring growth and early senescence can suppress summer weeds and improve soil structure, though most practitioners prefer native perennial grasses or legume-based cover crops that offer longer-term soil building and wildlife value.
Watch out for
This species establishes readily from seed and can persist in the seedbank for several years, making it difficult to exclude from adjacent plantings if not managed closely. Its dense spring growth may compete with slower-establishing perennial species if timing and density are not carefully controlled.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean, Central Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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