Barley

Hordeum vulgare

Barley is a tall grass that grows in fields. It is one of the oldest crops in the world and is used to make bread and beer!

Habitat: Farms and fields

Appearance

The Barley has long, slender green leaves and tall stems topped with distinctive, bristly seed heads called 'awns.' These awns give the plant a bearded appearance, often varying from green to golden-yellow as they ripen.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderPoalesFamilyPoaceaeGenusHordeum

Barley

Interesting facts

Barley grains are super chewy and can make your soup extra hearty and yummy!

Barley was one of the first grains ever farmed by humans, thousands of years ago!

Long ago, people in some lands used barley grains as a form of ancient money!

This amazing grain is used to make malt, a key ingredient in some sweet drinks!

Special abilities

Barley can withstand colder temperatures and shorter growing seasons than many other cereals, helping it thrive in diverse climates.

Barley has a fast growth cycle, allowing farmers to harvest it quickly, even in regions with short summers.

Measurements & details

Height: 50-120 cm
Bloom Season: Early summer
Is Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Annual
Pollination Method: Self

Ecological connections

eaten by

Human

Homo sapiens

A staple food used in many human diets.

eaten by

Cattle

Bos taurus

Main feed for cattle on farms.

eaten by

Sheep

Ovis aries

Provides nutrition for grazing sheep.

eaten by

Brown Rat

Rattus norvegicus

Rodents like rats often consume barley grains.

Traits

Grain Crop

Discover important plants grown specifically for their small, edible seeds, which are a main part of food for people around the world.

Agricultural

Discover plants and animals that are part of farming, grown or raised by people to provide food and other useful resources.

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!