Plant of the Month: December, 1999

by Russell Stevens

Rescuegrass
Bromus unioloides

Characteristics: Rescuegrass is an introduced, cool season annual that may grow to 2.5 feet on a variety of soils, usually in disturbed areas or overgrazed pastures. It is a common lawn weed and can infest wheat fields. Its seeds are flattened, terminating in a short awn 1 to 3 mm long, and its leaves are broader than those of other brome species in our region. The grass reproduces by seed.

Rescuegrass got its name for coming to producers' rescue following drought.

Area of Importance: Throughout Oklahoma and Texas.

Attributes: Rescuegrass is weedy and often proliferates following a drought or other disturbance, providing forage and soil cover. It provides quality forage for cattle, but seasonal production is often lower than that of other cool season annual forages. White-tailed deer may graze it during the winter

ID Tip: Throughout the year, you can find the broad-leaved grass growing in disturbed areas. In winter, look for it in overgrazed warm season pastures. In spring, look for flattened seed heads that droop.

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Hundreds of plants are identified in the Noble Foundation Plant Image Gallery.