Bromus catharticus
Rescue grass
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Family: Poaceae · Type: Grass · Not Native
Bromus catharticus (Rescue grass) is a non-native California grass in the Poaceae family, recognized by strongly flattened spikelets and prominent veins diagnostic.
Rescue grass is a naturalized annual or short-lived perennial herb found in disturbed areas and grasslands. Flowering from spring to early summer, this grass produces pale green to tan spikelets 15 to 30 millimeters long in open, spreading inflorescences. Growing 20 to 120 centimeters tall with upright or spreading stems that may be glabrous or slightly hairy, it forms dense clumps of vegetation. Its leaves are variable, ranging from smooth to softly textured, typically bright to medium green in color. The plant spreads readily in disturbed landscapes, forming thick stands that can quickly colonize open ground.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 34 sympatric species; strongly flattened spikelets and prominent veins diagnostic
Habitat and range
California counties: Los Angeles, Alameda, Butte, Inyo, Monterey, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Glenn, Kern, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Imperial, Lassen, Plumas, Sutter, Napa, Kings, Amador, Siskiyou, Stanislaus, Sonoma, Placer, Mariposa, Marin, Madera, Lake, Fresno, Merced, Tulare, Yolo, Shasta, Solano, Contra Costa, Colusa, Humboldt, Santa Cruz, Tehama, Yuba, Mono, Tuolumne
How to tell it apart
vs Nassella: Bromus has closed leaf sheaths and large spikelets; Nassella has open sheaths and needle-like awns.; vs Hordeum: Bromus has separate large spikelets; Hordeum has three spikelets grouped at each node.; vs Avena: Bromus lemmas have two teeth at tip; Avena lemmas have a twisted awn from the back.; vs Lolium: Bromus spikelets are stalked in clusters; Lolium spikelets sit edgewise against the stem.; vs Festuca: Bromus leaf sheaths are closed; Festuca sheaths split open halfway down.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bromus catharticus native to California?
No. Bromus catharticus is not native to California (recorded as not native).
Where in California does Bromus catharticus grow?
Bromus catharticus occurs in Los Angeles, Alameda, Butte, Inyo, Monterey, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento and other counties.
What plant family does Bromus catharticus belong to?
Bromus catharticus is in the Poaceae family, genus Bromus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.