How to Grow Lincoln Bromegrass
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Lincoln Bromegrass
Bromus lincolnensis
grassLincoln Bromegrass is a perennial cool-season grass native to the Great Plains, valued for pasture, rangeland, and erosion control. It is highly drought-tolerant and cold-hardy, making it ideal for northern and semi-arid regions. The grass produces moderate to good forage quality with excellent stand persistence.
When should you plant Lincoln Bromegrass in your zone?
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Example Lincoln Bromegrass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lincoln Bromegrass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Lincoln Bromegrass
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lincoln Bromegrass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7, particularly well-suited to the northern Great Plains and transitional zones
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Get my Lincoln Bromegrass timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-14 days under moist conditions; first leaves emerge as thin green shoots
Maintain consistent soil moisture; avoid soil crusting; protect from foot traffic
Seedling Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plants develop tillers and a shallow root system; grass is 2-4 inches tall
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid grazing; begin light irrigation reduction
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeks after germinationDense tiller development; plant reaches 6-12 inches; extensive root system develops
Reduce irrigation as drought tolerance develops; light grazing acceptable after 60+ days; monitor for weeds
Flowering & Seed Head Development
4-8 weeksSeed heads emerge; plants reach 18-36 inches tall with distinctive panicles; flowering occurs in late spring to early summer
Restrict grazing to preserve seed development; allow full maturation if seed harvest desired; drought stress minimal impact
Dormancy & Winter Survival
4-6 months (seasonal)Grass turns tan/brown; cold hardiness allows survival of extreme freezes; perennial crowns remain viable underground
Avoid heavy grazing in fall to preserve energy reserves; no supplemental care needed; monitor for winter damage
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for defoliation; rarely severe in rangeland settings; natural predators usually control populations; insecticide only if severe
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Tolerate moderate populations; high numbers may require cultural control or insecticide in critical pastures
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Rare in bromegrass; maintain plant vigor and adequate moisture to prevent stress
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May appear in seed heads; remove affected plants if using for seed; usually not problematic in forage use
Uses
Livestock Forage
CulinaryLincoln Bromegrass is a staple forage grass for cattle, sheep, and horses across the northern Great Plains. It provides nutritious, moderate-protein pasture and can be hayed for winter feed. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Food
WildlifeSeeds and plant structure provide food and cover for upland game birds, waterfowl, and grassland wildlife. Excellent for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings. [source]
Erosion Control & Land Reclamation
HouseholdDeep, fibrous root system stabilizes soil on slopes, roadsides, and disturbed areas. Highly effective for mine reclamation and watershed protection in arid/semi-arid regions. [source]
Rangeland Management
CraftWidely used in rangeland seeding programs to restore degraded grasslands and improve carrying capacity. Part of native prairie restoration initiatives across the Great Plains. [source]
Harvest Tips
For forage: Begin grazing when grass reaches 3-4 inches in spring; allow 3-4 weeks recovery between grazings. For seed: Harvest when seed heads are golden-brown and seeds shatter easily (late summer); cut and dry, then thresh. Allow at least one full season before first harvest to ensure strong establishment.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lincoln Bromegrass was selected and released by the USDA in 1929, named after its breeding location in Lincoln, Nebraska, and has become a standard grass for Great Plains restoration.
- 🌱 Its exceptional cold hardiness allows it to survive temperatures below -30°F, making it one of the hardiest cool-season perennial grasses available.
- 🌱 Lincoln Bromegrass has a deep, fibrous root system that can extend 3-5 feet into the soil, enabling extraordinary drought tolerance and making it highly effective at preventing soil erosion and recharging groundwater in arid regions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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