Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

What is Downy Brome?

Downy brome is also known as cheatgrass, a dense and hairy weed that has drooping seed heads. It produces flowers; however, they look like individual spikelets. The leaves are fringed with hairs, and the panicles often change from green to purple and tan depending on the season.

How to Get Rid of Cheatgrass

Cutting down cheatgrass isn't recommended since it can produce new stems and seeds at the cut height. Herbicides with pronamide are ideal at stopping downy brome from growing, especially when applied at the pre- and postemergent stages of growth. Only apply fall applications when the seeds have germinated.