The specific epithet arvensis is Latin, meaning "of cultivated land".

The large, open panicles are 10–30 m (33–98 ft) long and 4–20 cm (1.6–7.9 in) wide, with ascending branches that droop at their ends.

The caryopses are shorter than the paleas and can be either weakly or strongly rolled inwards.

Bromus arvensis grows along roadsides, in disturbed areas, and in fields.

It is native to southern and central Europe, but is now naturalized as a weed throughout temperate regions including North America and Asia.