Overview
Hordeum jubatum is a bushy grass like in the genus Hordeum, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Hordeum jubatum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include architectural, prairie planting, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Hordeum jubatum, with common names foxtail barley, bobtail barley, squirreltail barley, and intermediate barley, is a perennial 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 worldwide 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. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hordeum jubatum
About the genus
Hordeum is a genus of annual and perennial plants in the grass family. The species are native throughout the temperate regions of Africa, Eurasia, and the Americas.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hordeum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hordeum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hordeum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Hordeum jubatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Prairie planting, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hordeum jubatum
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hordeum jubatum?
Hordeum jubatum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Hordeum jubatum need?
Hordeum jubatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Hordeum jubatum grow?
Hordeum jubatum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Hordeum jubatum hardy in the UK?
Hordeum jubatum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Hordeum jubatum?
Seed.
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