The fruits are hard, rounded glumes that appear superficially similar to the rye grain, which gives the brome its common and scientific name.

The spreading inflorescence nods when it becomes heavy with grain though prior to maturity the panicle is erect.

[5] Bromus secalinus occurs in fields areas, road verges, and occasionally cornfields, in lightly stony soils.

[5] The grass is native to Europe but is widespread throughout the United States and in Quebec and British Columbia.

[4] Although not considered very palatable, the grains are edible and starchy, and are suggested to have been used as food in Europe from the late Neolithic to the Iron Age.