Hordeum jubatum (Foxtail barley)

Botanical name

Hordeum jubatum

Other names

Foxtail barley, Mouse barley , Squirrel tail barley, Squirrel tail grass, Intermediate barley

Genus

Hordeum Hordeum

Species

H. jubatum - H. jubatum in an annual or short-lived perennial grass forming a dense clump of erect to arching, linear, light green leaves and, in summer, erect stems bearing nodding panicles of long, silky, red- to purple-flushed, pale green flower spikelets turning beige with age.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Dense, Clump-forming

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Colour

Flower

Light green, Flushed purple, Flushed red in Summer; Yellow-brown in Autumn

Foliage

Light green in Spring; Light green in Summer; Light green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids

General care

Pruning

Remove dead foliage in spring. Self-seeds and is usually one of the first plants to colonise empty ground.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Hordeum jubatum (Foxtail barley) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.3m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Beds and borders, City, Cottage/Informal, Drying, Low Maintenance, Meadow, Prairie planting

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in sun.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Hordeum jubatum (Foxtail barley)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Meloidogyne minor

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Present (Unknown Distribution)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode pest mainly affecting turf. Previously found in UK and likely to be spreading. Relevant industries e.g. Turf producers; potato growers; should monitor the situation and take appropriate action to protect themselves.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/