Foxtail Barley
ExplorePlants
Foxtail Barley
Hordeum jubatum
Foxtail Barley is a tall grass with fluffy seed heads that look like little tails! It grows in fields and along roadsides, waving gently in the breeze.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Foxtail Barley has soft, bristly seed heads that look like miniature fox tails, turning from green to beautiful shades of purple or reddish-brown as they mature. Its slender, upright stems make it stand out among other grasses, especially when its fluffy tops catch the light.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderPoalesFamilyPoaceaeGenusHordeum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Animals can accidentally spread its seeds just by walking by!
Foxtail Barley makes beautiful waving fields when the wind blows!
Its fluffy seed heads look soft but hide tiny, sharp barbs!
These plants love to grow near roads where salt is often used!
Special abilities
Ability
Salt Survivor
Foxtail Barley can grow in salty soils where many other plants struggle, allowing it to thrive in tough coastal or roadside spots.
Ability
Quick Colonizer
Foxtail Barley has rapid growth and produces many seeds, helping it quickly take over disturbed or bare patches of ground.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-70 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Watch
Ecological connections
eaten by
Cattle
Bos taurus
Can eat young plants before seed heads develop.
eaten by
Horse
Equus caballus
May graze on early growth, but awns are harmful later.
eats
Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
Feeds on the developing seeds.
eats
Meadow Vole
Microtus pennsylvanicus
Eats leaves and stems, especially new growth.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Grass-Like
Grass-like plants are herbaceous plants that visually resemble true grasses, typically having long, narrow leaves.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Also known as
Hare BarleySquirrel Tail Grass
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful not to touch the sharp edges of the grass.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Foxtail Barley?
30-70 cm
How wide does Foxtail Barley spread?
15-30 cm
When does Foxtail Barley bloom?
Summer
Is Foxtail Barley edible?
No
Is Foxtail Barley toxic?
Mild
What is Foxtail Barley's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Foxtail Barley pollinated?
Wind
Where is Foxtail Barley usually found?
Grasslands
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