Meadow Bromegrass
Bromus riparius Rehm.
Meadow bromegrass is a hardy, long-lived, high-yielding, cool season perennial grass. It regrows very quickly after grazing, even late in the season. Meadow bromegrass has fibrous roots and short rhizomes which spread slowly.
Stems grow up to 1.2 m (47 in.) tall with many basal leaves in established stands. Both the leaves and sheaths have long, sparse hairs. Growing points remain near the ground throughout the growing season. Seedheads are 20 cm (8 in.) long with purple-tinged spikelets, which have 5 to 10 cross-pollinated flowers. Seeds are very long and awned, which causes bridging in seed drills.
Meadow bromegrasss is sometimes identified as Bromus biebersteinii R & S. However, based on plant characteristics, most North American introductions and varieties should be classified as Bromus riparius.