Hordeum brachyantherum (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.