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
Foxtail Barley
flowering trait badgegrasslike trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badgeedible trait badge
Foxtail Barley

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

7

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

Ecological connections

Traits

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 to identify Foxtail Barley?

The easiest way to identify Foxtail Barley is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

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

Snap Map

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