Foxtail brome (Bromus rubens, Cent. Pl. I: 5 (1755))

Family: Poaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Cent. Pl. I: 5 (1755)

Year: 1755

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Bromus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Canary Is., Medit. to Sahara, Caucasus to C. Asia and Afghanistan

Description

Foxtail brome, scientifically known as Bromus rubens, is a notable member of the Poaceae family. Described as early as 1755 in the work “Cent. Pl. I” by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this grass has a historical and geographical significance that spans several regions across the globe.

Characterized by its bushy, foxtail-like inflorescence, Bromus rubens is widely recognized for its adaptability and resilience in various climates and soils. The species thrives across diverse landscapes, including the Canary Islands, extending across the Mediterranean region to the edges of the Sahara Desert. Its range also sweeps through the Caucasus, stretching further into Central Asia and Afghanistan, highlighting its capability to endure both temperate and arid conditions.

The structure of Foxtail brome features upright, slender stems that culminate in dense, reddish-brown seed heads. These seed heads give the plant its distinctive ‘foxtail’ appearance, which is particularly pronounced in the flowering and seed-setting stages. This characteristic not only gives Bromus rubens its common name but also plays a crucial role in its reproductive strategy, aiding in the widespread dispersal of its seeds.

Ecologically, Foxtail brome serves as an important component in its native habitats, contributing to soil stabilization and providing cover for various wildlife. However, in non-native regions, it can sometimes be considered invasive, competing with local flora and altering the dynamics of the existing ecosystems.

Understanding the habits and habitats of Bromus rubens allows us to appreciate its ecological roles and manage its presence in various environments. Whether observed in its native terrain or in regions where it has been introduced, Foxtail brome remains a remarkable example of the Poaceae family’s diversity and adaptability.

Common Names

Eng: foxtail brome, red brome, foxtail chess
Lav: s
Swe: tofslosta
Cym: pawrwellt cryno bach, pawrwellt hysb
En: Foxtail brome, Foxtail chess, Red brome
Ar: سبد (سَبَدْ), سبط (سَبَطْ), سبط (سَبْطْ), سبل الفار (سَبَل الفار)
Ca: Bromus rogenc
Fr: Brome rouge, Brome rougeâtre
De: Rote Trespe, Rötliche Trespe
He: ברומית אדמונית
It: Forasacco purpureo
Lv: S
Es: Plumerillo rojo
Sv: Tofslosta
Cy: Pawrwellt Cryno Bach, Pawrwellt Hysb

Synonyms

• Festuca rubens ((L.) Pers.)
• Zerna rubens ((L.) Grossh.)
• Bromus scoparius var. rubens ((L.) St.-Amans)
• Anisantha rubens ((L.) Nevski)
• Bromus madritensis var. rubens ((L.) Husn.)
• Bromus madritensis subsp. rubens ((L.) Husn.)
• Bromus sterilis var. rubens ((L.) Kuntze)
• Bromus rubens subsp. eurubens (Maire)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Chad (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Western Sahara (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Mexican Pacific Is. (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• Namibia (introduced)
• Nevada (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Yazan Yazan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Christine QUENAON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 22, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2019 by Marsen Matressa (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 3, 2021 by anil lina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2020 by Zeke Ellis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 27, 2005 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 27, 2005 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 27, 2005 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Soreng, R.J. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 4, 2011 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2016 by EOL − James Bailey (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 28, 2016 by EOL − James Bailey (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 30, 2007 by EOL − Beatrice F. Howitt (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Apr 26, 2015 by EOL − Jesse Rorabaugh (cc-by)

Taken Aug 7, 2015 by EOL − James Bailey (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 19, 2015 by EOL − James Bailey (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:394071-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2703740)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bromus rubens L.)

Specifications

Growth