Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Hordeum jubatum (Foxtail barley) is a perennials plant species in the grass family Poaceae. It occurs wild mainly in northern North America and adjacent northeastern Siberia. However, as it escaped often from gardens it can be found world-wide in areas with temperate to warm climates, and is considered a weed in many countries. The species is a polyploid and originated via hybridization of an East Asian Hordeum species with a close but extinct relative of Californian H. brachyantherum. It is grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flower clusters and when done flowering for its infructescence. Foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum) propagates by seed. It is known for its ability to tolerate saline soils but is capable of productive growth on soil types ranging from loamy to clayey soils with pH's of 6.4 to 9.5. The upper limit of soil NaCl for productive growth and development is 1.0%. Foxtail barley is also adapted to a wide range of moisture regimes from dry to wet. Although this species is generally found on moist sites, it can withstand drought-like conditions. It is commonly found in lowland areas with restricted soil drainage, disturbed sites, waste areas and fields. Foxtail barley is a pioneer species or invader in disturbed areas and in areas with high salinity. It is among the first grasses to establish after disturbance and rapidly invades areas exposed by a receding water table.

Plant type

Grass

Size

2 ft Tall

Calscape icon
Color

Brown

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Moderate, High

Ease of care

Moderate

Site type

Wetland and riparian places

Plant communities

Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 8 likely

Confirmed Likely

Venerable Dart

Agrotis venerabilis

Glassy Borer

Apamea devastator

Alfalfa Looper Moth

Autographa californica

Pale Yellow Dune Moth

Copablepharon grandis