Description
Hordeum – Barley –
There are about 20 species of annuals and perennial grasses (including the cereal crop, barley), in this genus. They occur on disturbed ground in temperate regions of both hemisphere. They have linear, flat or rolled, light to mid green or blue green leaves. Dense, narrow cylindrical, occasionally flattened, spike like panicles, with long bristled spikelets, are borne in 2 ranks. The flowers of many species are useful for dried flower arrangements. Use in an annual, mixed or herbaceous border, or in a wild garden. May become invasive.
Grow in well drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Cut flowers for drying before fully mature.
Prone to fungal diseases and bacterial diseases.
H. jubatum – Squirrel-tail Grass – This densely tufted, annual or perennial grass from Northeastern Asia and North America grows 20″ tall and 12″ wide. It produces erect or arching, linear, light green leaves, to 6″ long. In early and mid summer, erect stems bears dense, broad, nodding panicles, to 5″ long, of silky, long bristled , pale green spikelets, flushed red or purple, which turn beige with age.
Zones 4-8
