THE DOWNY BROME GRASS IN IOWA 
H. E. JAQUES 
Our state has a number of troublesome weed grasses, worst 
of which at the present time is, likely, the Squirrel-tail Grass 
(Hordeum jubatum L.) which is now to be found almost every- 
where within the state and is very annoying in crowding out 
better grasses and in injuring livestock. Only a few decades ago 
is was scarce within our borders. While theoretically it is easily 
controlled and though it is hated by farmers everywhere it thrives 
and extends its area every year. If the loss due to it could be 
computed it would doubtless prove to be heavy. 
This mention of the Squirrel-tail has been made because of its 
similarity in habits to the Downy or Awned Brome Grass ( Bromus 
tectorum L.) which this article discusses. Thirty years ago, the 
Squirrel-tail did not seem to promise as much as a weed pest 
as does the Downy Brome today. Both have been introduced 
from Eurasia; both are winter annuals; and both could be read- 
ily exterminated if cut early enough in the year to prevent the 
maturing of seeds. 
The plant is of slender erect leafy growth, with softly pubes- 
cent leaves and open nodding panicles the spikelets of which are 
tipped with long silky awns. It grows from six inches to two 
feet high and while thriving in cinders, sand or other poor soil 
where it approximates its minimum size, it does well on good soil 
and makes a much larger plant. 
The date and means of its introduction into the United States 
and into Iowa seem uncertain but do not appear to date back 
many decades. In Iowa it is most abundant along the railroad 
tracks and in only two or three cases have we failed to find it 
around elevators and stockyards. 
The railroads have had much to do with its introduction and 
spreading. In some regions it grows in unbroken strips along 
miles of track. It is thus practically continuous along the Bur- 
lington tracks from Mount Pleasant to Fairfield, a distance of 
twenty-three miles. 
There is, of course, the question as to whether or not this weed 
can establish itself in pastures and meadows as has the Squirrel- 
