Family: Poaceae
Author: Muhl. ex Willd.
Bibliography: Enum. Pl.: 120 (1809)
Year: 1809
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Bromus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: C. & E. Canada to WC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Hairy woodland brome, scientifically known as Bromus pubescens, is an eminent member of the Poaceae family. First described and enumerated in 1809 by Muhl. ex Willd. in the “Enumeratio Plantarum,” this grass species has carved out a notable presence in the botanical landscape of North America.
Geographically, Bromus pubescens has a wide distribution, gracing both the central and eastern regions of Canada and the United States. This extensive range speaks to the plant’s robust adaptability and ecological versatility. It thrives particularly well in woodland environments, where it often forms part of the understory vegetation. Its presence is a vital component of these ecosystems, contributing to soil stabilization and providing habitat for various fauna.
The common name “Hairy woodland brome” hints at one of the distinctive features of this species. The stems and leaves are covered with fine, soft hairs, a characteristic that not only aids in identification but also enhances its resilience in various environmental conditions. The leaves of Bromus pubescens are typically long and slender, arching gracefully and adding a textural element to the underbrush.
Bromus pubescens flowers in the spring and early summer, producing spikelets that harbor numerous florets. These spikelets are arranged in open, airy panicles that sway gently in the wind, a subtle yet charming spectacle in the woodlands. The seeds are an essential food source for wildlife, including several bird species and small mammals, promoting biodiversity within its native habitats.
Ecologically, Bromus pubescens plays a crucial role in forest dynamics. Its dense root system helps prevent soil erosion, particularly in sloped and shaded forest areas. Furthermore, as part of the Poaceae family, it participates in the nutrient cycling by decomposing and returning essential elements to the soil, thus supporting the overall health of the forest floor.
In summary, Hairy woodland brome (Bromus pubescens) is a vital, resilient grass species that contributes significantly to the ecological fabric of North American woodlands. Its wide distribution across central and eastern Canada and the United States underscores its adaptability and important role in maintaining forest ecosystem integrity.
Common Names
Eng: hairy wood brome grass, hairy woodland brome
Fra: brome pubescent
En: Hairy woodland brome, Hairy wood brome grass
Zh: 短毛雀麥
Fi: Hahtukattara
Fr: Brome pubescent
Zh-tw: 短毛雀麥
Synonyms
- Bromus ciliatus var. laeviglumis (Scribn. ex Shear)
- Bromus purgans f. laevivaginatus (Wiegand)
- Forasaccus ciliatus var. laeviglumis ((Scribn. ex Shear) Lunell)
- Bromus ciliatus f. laeviglumis ((Scribn. ex Shear) Wiegand)
- Bromopsis pubescens ((Muhl. ex Willd.) Holub)
- Bromus pubescens f. laevivaginatus ((Wiegand) F.Seym.)
- Bromus purgans f. glabriflorus (Wiegand)
- Bromus laeviglumis ((Scribn. ex Shear) Hitchc.)
- Bromus ciliatus subvar. laevivaginatus ((Wiegand) Farw.)
- Bromus purgans var. laeviglumis ((Scribn. ex Shear) Swallen)
- Bromus hookeri var. pubescens ((Muhl. ex Willd.) E.Fourn.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Taiwan (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 9, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Nov 9, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2703706)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:37133-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bromus pubescens Muhl. ex Willd.)
