Foxtail Barley
Hordeum jubatum
Also listed as Critesion jubatum, Elymus jubatus
Also known as Squirreltail, Squirreltail Barley, Squirrel Tail Grass
Climate Match for your location
See how well Foxtail Barley grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Foxtail Barley is an ornamental grass with distinctive feathery, fox-tail-like seed heads that emerge in early summer. It is a hardy, drought-tolerant grass suitable for dry landscapes and native plant gardens.
Why grow it
Foxtail barley produces distinctive seed heads earlier in the season than many native prairie grasses, making it useful for extending visual interest in mixed plantings. It establishes quickly in poor soils with minimal water once established, which can be an advantage over slower-growing alternatives in marginal sites. The fine texture and compact growth habit suit smaller spaces where taller bunchgrasses might dominate.
Watch out for
Foxtail Barley can self-seed prolifically in favorable conditions, so deadhead spent flower heads if volunteer seedlings become problematic in your garden. The fine seed awns may irritate skin and eyes during handling or when plants are mature and shedding. In areas with high summer humidity, this dry-climate grass is prone to fungal issues, so ensure excellent air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North American prairie and western United States
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Foxtail Barley is an ornamental grass with distinctive feathery, fox-tail-like seed heads that emerge in early summer. It is a hardy, drought-tolerant grass suitable for dry landscapes and native plant gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Foxtail Barley grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Foxtail barley produces distinctive seed heads earlier in the season than many native prairie grasses, making it useful for extending visual interest in mixed plantings. It establishes quickly in poor soils with minimal water once established, which can be an advantage over slower-growing alternatives in marginal sites. The fine texture and compact growth habit suit smaller spaces where taller bunchgrasses might dominate.
Watch out for
Foxtail Barley can self-seed prolifically in favorable conditions, so deadhead spent flower heads if volunteer seedlings become problematic in your garden. The fine seed awns may irritate skin and eyes during handling or when plants are mature and shedding. In areas with high summer humidity, this dry-climate grass is prone to fungal issues, so ensure excellent air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North American prairie and western United States
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.