Ripgut brome is a cool season annual grass. It is one of the many European annual grass species that have displaced a large portion of the native grassland vegetation throughout California. Although found throughout California up to an elevation of 6600 feet (about 2000 m), it is most abundant in the central and southern parts of the state. Ripgut brome inhabits natural plant communities, open disturbed sites, and agricultural land. Brome can become established over a wide range of soil moistures. A plant residue mulch favors its buildup. It is highly flammable when dry.