Bromus sterilis is an
annual or
biennial species of
bromegrass known as barren brome, poverty brome, and sterile brome.
Description
This is an
annual or
biennial grass ranging from about 20 to 90 centimeters in maximum height. Leaf blades are 2–6 mm wide and 6–25 cm long with short, soft hair.[5] The
inflorescence is a spreading
panicle with the lower parts drooping more than the upper. The
spikelet is up to 6 cm long.
The leaves are rough and hairy, green to purplish in colour. The
ligule is pointed, toothed, 2 to 4 mm long.[6]
The panicles are loose, open and nodding. The spikelets are 4 to 6 cm long, with
awns, producing 4 to 10 flowers.[7]
Distribution
It can be found between sea level and 365 metres, along roadsides, hedge bottoms, and is a common weed of waste ground and gardens.
^Zerna sterilis was published in Denkschriften der Koniglich Akademie der Wissenschaften zu München, 4: 297. 1814. Munich.
"Plant Name Details for Zerna sterilis". IPNI. Retrieved August 9, 2010. Remarks: Specific epithet not associated with genus name.
^Edgar E. & Connor H.E. 2000. Flora of New Zealand, Vol. V, Grasses. P. 368.