Cheatgrass
ExplorePlants
Cheatgrass
Bromus tectorum
Cheatgrass is a tall, green grass that grows in many places. It has long, slender leaves and can turn golden brown in the summer. It's often found in fields and along roadsides.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Cheatgrass is a slender, annual grass that typically grows in dense patches. Its soft, downy leaves can appear green, often turning purplish before drying to a distinct golden-brown. It has characteristic drooping, feathery seed heads.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderPoalesFamilyPoaceaeGenusBromus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Cheatgrass loves disturbed soil, often popping up after construction or fires.
It turns entire hillsides reddish-purple before drying to a golden brown.
Its early growth provides food, but dried seeds hurt grazing animals.
One tiny cheatgrass plant can make hundreds of sharp, barbed seeds!
Special abilities
Ability
Fire Fueler
Cheatgrass dries early and quickly, creating lots of fine fuel that helps fires spread faster and more often.
Ability
Seed Drifter
Its seeds have tiny barbs that hook onto animal fur and clothes, helping them travel far and colonize new places.
Ability
Speedy Sprouter
Cheatgrass can grow incredibly fast, quickly sprouting and outcompeting many native plants for water and nutrients.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 15-60 cm
- Spread
- 5-15 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring-early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Graze on young shoots.
eaten by
Black-tailed Jackrabbit
Lepus californicus
Feeds on green plants.
eaten by
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California Quail
Callipepla californica
Eats fallen seeds.
eaten by
Prairie Vole
Microtus ochrogaster
Consumes leaves and seeds.
Traits
Grass-Like
Grass-like plants are herbaceous plants that visually resemble true grasses, typically having long, narrow leaves.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Agricultural
This human use trait describes species cultivated or domesticated by humans for agricultural purposes, including crops and livestock.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Invasive
Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful not to touch sharp grass blades, as they can be pointy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Cheatgrass?
15-60 cm
How wide does Cheatgrass spread?
5-15 cm
How big are the flowers on Cheatgrass?
1-2 cm
When does Cheatgrass bloom?
Spring-early summer
Is Cheatgrass edible?
Yes
Is Cheatgrass toxic?
None
What is Cheatgrass's lifecycle?
Annual
How is Cheatgrass pollinated?
Wind
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