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. junceum – Foxtail Barley – Squirrel Grass – Grows 12-18″ tall, and is one of the best Barley’s for growing near flowers as it maintains a neat clump form. It has feathery flower clusters from summer to fall. The flower clusters retain their silkiness when dried.
Zones 5-10
