Californian Brome (Bromus carinatus)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Bromus carinatus is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind, Cleistogomy (self-pollinating without flowers ever opening). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - cooked. Used as a piñole.The dried seed can be ground into a powder and mixed with water to make a mush or made into bread. The seed is rather small and fiddly to utilize. — Used as a piñole.The dried seed can be ground into a powder and mixed with water to make a mush or made into bread.; The seed is rather small and fiddly to utilize.

Habitat & North American Range

Various habitats from moist woods to dry open meadows or sagebrush covered hills, sometimes to the timber line. Found naturalized along the Thames at Kew and Oxford. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)