Hordeum brachyantherum (Meadow Barley)
Meadow Barley
Hordeum brachyantherum (Meadow Barley) is a short-lived, cool season, perennial bunchgrass forming an open tuft of erect to slightly spreading, smooth stalks, up to 16-40 in. tall (40-100 cm). In late spring to mid-summer, narrow, flattened flower heads, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), bristly and often purplish, are borne above the foliage of green to bluish green leaves. Meadow Barley stays green all summer if moisture is present and is capable of producing a second flush of seed heads later in summer. Native to western North America from Alaska to northern Mexico, far eastern Russia and parts of eastern North America, Meadow Barley is common to sporadic in moist meadows and clearings. It is most abundant in maritime environments. Meadow Barley is among the more broadly adapted and easier to establish of all native grasses in the western US. Useful in a meadow garden or for erosion control, it is often used as a quick cover for soil stabilization on wet or dry, saline sites. Meadow Barley provides wildlife cover and the leaves and large seed may be of some food value to small mammals and waterfowl.
- Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm).
- Performs best in full sun, in dry to moist, well-drained soils. Not fussy about soils, Meadow Barley tolerates a wide variety of garden soils as long as sufficient moisture is provided. Tolerates moderately alkaline and saline conditions, as well as low fertility, seasonally saturated soils, and intermittent flooding. Moderately drought tolerant, but best adapted to moist soils.
- This is a graceful plant for beds and borders, meadows, or erosion control.
- No serious pest or disease issues. May be susceptible to fungal diseases, particularly head smut and leaf or stem rust. Deer resistant.
- Propagate by seed (no treatment).
- Native to western North America from Alaska to northern Mexico, coastal areas of easternmost Russia (Kamchatka), and a small area of coastal Newfoundland.
Buy Hordeum brachyantherum (Meadow Barley)
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 24" (30cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average, High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Northeast, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Mississippi, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Salt |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Matt Lavin, Flickr
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Ornamental Grasses |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 24" (30cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average, High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Alaska, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Northeast, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Mississippi, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Salt |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |