Foxtail Barley
Hordeum jubatum
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Pl. 2F3A — Hordeum jubatum
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IOverview
Overview
Foxtail Barley (Hordeum jubatum) is a perennial grass native to regions including Alaska and Alberta in North America, as well as areas like Altay and Amur in Asia. This hardy plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH of 7–7.5, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Known for its edible seeds, Foxtail Barley is also recognized for its ornamental value due to its distinctive foxtail-like seed heads. Its native range extends across North America and parts of Asia, showcasing its resilience in diverse climates from the northern regions of Canada to the southern states like Arizona and Texas.
Quick answers
What is Foxtail Barley?
Foxtail Barley (Hordeum jubatum) is a perennial grass native to regions including Alaska and Alberta in North America, as well as areas like Altay and Amur in Asia. This hardy plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soil with a pH of 7–7.5, making it adaptable to various growing conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Foxtail Barley thrives in a variety of soils—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 7 and 7.5. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 0.3 meters tall. This perennial plant requires dry to moist conditions and prefers full sun or partial shade. For propagation, seeds can be sown directly in the garden after the last frost. Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging, as it can affect growth. Harvest the edible parts—seeds—when they are fully mature.
Light
9/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Foxtail Barley for the first time
8steps
Start with Foxtail Barley as a simple, low-maintenance perennial grass.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a garden trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure pH between 7-7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.3 meters apart in the ground or plant seedlings at the same spacing.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water during dry spells and remove any weeds that compete for nutrients. Prune dead foliage in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged parts of the plant throughout the growing season to maintain appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, and neglecting to remove weeds are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Coffee
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)China
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Altay, Amur, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Kansas, Kentucky, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Magadan, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Massachusetts
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 2f3aa1db-cbc6-4c5c-8c1f-d7a9e31ce7dc
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