Foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum L.)

Foxtail barley description

Foxtail barley is a densely tufted perennial grass native to western North America.

Propagation

Foxtail barley propagates via seed, which is easily dispersed by the wind.

Distribution

Foxtail barley is native to western North America. It grows well in salty soils and moist areas.

Identifying Foxtail barley

Seedling

Seedling leaves narrow, rough, ribbed. Sheaths smooth to hairy, ribbed, but not rough.

Mature plant

Stems are erect, 1 to 2 feet tall at maturity, growing in clumps.

Leaves have short ligules and slightly clasping auricles. Ligules with scalloped edges. Leaf blades rough, ribbed, with hairs on inner and outer surfaces. Sheaths hairy or hairless, ribbed, but not rough.

Root structure description

Fibrous, dense, perennial.

Flowers

Flower heads are bushy spikes, about 2 to 4 inches long, with awns about 2 inces long. Awns yellow-green to purple. Spikes nodding, break up readily when mature. Flowers in July. Seeds 1/10 inch long, hair and yellow. The awns of foxtail barley are barbed and cause irritation to the eyes, throats and noses of livestock.