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Foxtail Barley

What is foxtail barley?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Scientific name Hordeum jubatum[1]
Family Poaceae[1]
Growth form Perennial bunchgrass[3]
Height 1–2 ft.[4]
Reproduction Seeds and tillering[3]

Foxtail barley is a perennial grass species, Hordeum jubatum, in the Poaceae family, native to North America and often found in disturbed, moist, or saline soils.

Context

Foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum) is a perennial bunchgrass in the grass family Poaceae [1]. It reproduces by seeds and tillering, and grows 1–2 feet tall [3][4]. The plant is native to North America and often appears in disturbed, moist, or saline soils [2][6]. Its seedheads carry long awns that can be a hazard to animals [5]. Foxtail barley is sometimes considered a weed, and it is occasionally confused with other grasses like squirreltail or little barley [4][5]. It is related to cultivated barley but is a separate species [1].

Documented claims

  • Foxtail barley is a native species in North America. [2]
  • Its seedheads have long awns that can irritate livestock. [5]
  • It grows in disturbed, often moist places and in saline or alkaline soils. [6]

Questions and answers

Is foxtail barley native to Canada?

Yes, foxtail barley is native to North America, which includes Canada [2].

Is foxtail barley an annual or perennial?

It is a perennial plant species [1].

Is foxtail barley invasive?

It is described as a weed in some regions, such as Manitoba and California, but it is not classified as invasive in the sources [4][6].

Sources

  1. Foxtail Barley — extension.colostate.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Foxtail Barley — ag.missouristate.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Foxtail barley - NMSU: Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands — navajorange.nmsu.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. Foxtail Barley | USU — extension.usu.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  5. Weed Gallery: Foxtail barley - UC IPM — ipm.ucanr.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  6. Hordeum jubatum, foxtail barley | US Forest Service Research and ... — research.fs.usda.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Things