Foxtail Barley (Hordeum jubatum)

Foxtail Barley

(Hordeum jubatum)

André Karwath aka Aka

CC BY-SA 2.5

Image By: André Karwath aka Aka

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Hordeum jubatum, commonly known as Foxtail Barley, is a deciduous perennial grass native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and riparian zones across North America, East Asia, and Siberia. It can grow from 30–100 centimeters (12–39 inches) tall and is characterized by its erect or reclining base and densely tufted growth. The plant’s most striking feature is its inflorescence, a dense, long-awned nodding spike with greenish or purplish hues, which becomes an attractive infructescence after flowering. Foxtail Barley is particularly noted for its ability to thrive in saline soils, although it can grow in a range of soil types from loamy to clayey, with pH levels from 6.4 to 9.5.

This grass is valued for its ornamental inflorescences and is used in landscaping for its visual appeal and adaptability. It is suitable for naturalistic plantings and can be used to stabilize soil in disturbed areas. Foxtail Barley requires full sun and medium amounts of water, with a preference for medium or slow-draining soils. It is important to note that while it can tolerate drought, it generally prefers moist sites. Gardeners should be aware that Hordeum jubatum can be potentially invasive outside its native range, and it is advisable to consult local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Grass
Height: 1-2 feet
Width: 0.3-0.7 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, grasslands, and riparian zones across North America, East Asia, and Siberia

Other Names

Common Names: Squirrel-Tail Barley, Foxtail, Bobtail Barley, Intermediate Barley, Squirreltail Barley, Squirreltail Grass, Wild Barley, Egernhale-Byg, Mähnengerste, Mähnen-Gerste

Scientific Names: , Hordeum jubatum, Critesion jubatum, Hordeum jubatum var. jubatum, Hordeum vulgare subsp. intermedium, Hordeum jubatum subsp. intermedium, Hordeum caespitosum, Hordeum adscendens, Hordeum jubatum var. caespitosum, Elymus jubatus

GBIF Accepted Name: Hordeum jubatum L.