Bromus tectorum L.
Downy brome (Bromus tectorum) is a short-lived, annual grass that is native to Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia. It was introduced to New Zealand as a contaminant of pasture seed and was first recorded in the wild (naturalised) in 1870. The plant grows up to about 70 centimetres tall and has softly hairy leaves and stems. It flowers from October to January, producing drooping seed heads with long, fine awns, which develop into numerous seeds. It tolerates drought, low-fertility soils and disturbed habitats. It reproduces by seed. Seeds are dispersed by animals, contaminated seed, machinery and human activities. The long awns readily attach to fur, clothing and equipment.
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