Broncho grass
Bromus diandrus
Synonyms: Bromus ambigens, Bromus rigidus var. macrantherus, Bromus diandrus f. propendens, Zerna gussonei, Bromus asperipes, Bromus macrantherus, Anisantha macranthera, Bromus maximus var. macrantherus, Bromus rigens var. gussonei, Anisantha diandra, Bromus villosus var. ambigens, Bromus maximus var. glaber, Bromus diandrus f. boraei, Bromus gussonei var. boraei, Bromus maximus var. major, Bromus maximus var. gussonei, Bromus villosus var. gussonei, Bromus rigidus f. asperipes, Bromus pilosus, Bromus rigens subsp. macrantherus, Bromus maximus subsp. gussonei, Bromus pallens, Bromus diandrus var. macrantherus, Bromus rigidus var. gussonei, Bromus diandrus f. glaber, Bromus diandrus f. pilosus, Anisantha gussonei, Bromus rigidus var. ambigens, Bromus gussonei var. propendens, Bromus maximus subsp. macrantherus, Bromus maximus var. ambigens, Bromus boraei, Bromus gussonei, Bromus maximus subsp. pilosus, Bromus maximus var. asperipes, Bromus rigidus subsp. gussonei, Bromus diandrus f. asperipes, Bromus villosus subsp. gussonei, Bromus rigidus f. propendens, Bromus diandrus var. ambigens, Bromus propendens, Bromus rigidus subsp. ambigens, Bromus murorum, Bromus villosus subsp. ambigens
Gallery
Botanical Description
Bromus diandrus, ripgut brome or broncho grass, is a winter annual grass in the family Poaceae growing about 30–90 cm (1–3 ft) tall. The hairy, rough leaf blades are roughly 1 cm wide and bear conspicuous white ligules edged with spiky hairs. The wide, nodding panicle resembles that of an oat plant, carrying large, splayed spikelets armed with very long, stiff awns that may exceed 5 cm; at maturity the sharp callused florets readily detach and can work their way into the eyes, ears, mouths and skin of livestock and pets, hence the name ‘ripgut’. Native to the Mediterranean Basin, the species has become a widespread weedy invader of Mediterranean-climate regions including California, southern Australia and Chile, dominating disturbed grasslands, roadsides, wheat fields and overgrazed rangelands. It germinates with autumn rains, grows through winter and spring, and matures in early summer.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
Documented Native American uses of Bromus diandrus are limited to food use:
Karok — the grain was prepared as porridge (Schenck & Gifford, 1952).
Luiseno — used as an unspecified food (Sparkman, 1908).
Miwok — used as an unspecified food (Barrett & Gifford, 1933).
This plant has no known documented herbal uses.
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.