Smutgrass*
Bromus laevipes
Care
full sun, part shade
5–5ft tall
Mar-Aug
Deciduous
Friendly
Grasslands and open areas in the Sierra Nevada and interior mountains of California, typically at 2,000-5,000 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Smutgrass in full sun to part shade, where it can reach its full height of 5 feet. This native western perennial is flexible about soil conditions and should be established during the fall or early spring planting season to give it time to develop before summer heat.
After Planting
Water your newly planted Smutgrass regularly through its first growing season to help it establish. This deciduous grass will go dormant in winter, so don't be alarmed when it browns and dies back - it will return in spring with flowers blooming from March through August.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California endemic kangaroo rat
Wildlife Supported
Birds
year-round resident utilizing grass seeds during winter months
critical winter seed resource for migrating and overwintering populations in California
important winter food source for coveys in grassland habitats
Mammals
native rodent consuming grass seeds as primary diet component
small rodent foraging on grass seeds in native grasslands