DOWNY BROME, Bromus tectorum L. 1, mature plant with fibrous root system; 2, mature seed; 3, panicle; 4, spikelet. Winter annual or annual reproducing by seeds. Stems erect or spreading, slender, 6 to 24 inches (15 to 60 cm) high. Leaves, both blades and sheaths, light green, covered with long soft hairs. Panicle rather dense, soft, very drooping, often purplish, flowering in April-May. Seeds long and narrow, bearing long beard (1/2 to 3/4 inch; 12 to 19 mm), maturing in May-June. Found in meadows, pastures, small grain, wasteland.