Upright Brome
Bromus erectus
Bromus erectus, commonly known as upright brome, is a perennial bunchgrass that typically grows to heights between 40 and 100 centimeters. It is a key indicator species for calcareous dry and semi-dry grasslands (Mesobromion) across Central Europe. The plant is easily identified by its stiffly erect panicles, which often exhibit a reddish or purplish tint. Ecologically, it serves as an important host plant for various insect larvae and plays a role in stabilizing soil on sloping terrains.
Details
Habitat function
Important oviposition plant and larval habitat for various butterfly species of dry grasslands.
Nutrient uptake
Low; specialized in the efficient use of nutrients in barren soils.
Food source for
Caterpillars of the Marbled White (Melanargia galathea) and various Meadow Brown species.
Human use
Used as forage grass in extensive sheep grazing or for hay production on nutrient-poor meadows.
Ecology
Ecological role
Dominant species in semi-dry grasslands; provides structure for arthropods and acts as erosion control on calcareous steep slopes.
Competitor species
Displaced by more competitive grasses like Arrhenatherum elatius (false oat-grass) when nitrogen input increases.
Ecosystem service
Soil stabilization, maintenance of biodiversity in nutrient-poor ecosystems, provision of biomass under extensive land use.
Threats
Eutrophication via fertilizer input, abandonment of grazing (scrub encroachment), conversion of grassland to arable land.
Scientific profile
Profile
Reproduction
Generative via seeds; vegetative via tillering and short rhizomes for tussock expansion.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Abandonment of land use leads to scrub encroachment and dominance of Brachypodium pinnatum; eutrophication through atmospheric nitrogen deposition.