Foxtail barley (Hordeum jubtum L.)

Foxtail barley is a perennial that reproduces by seed. Plants grow 1 to 2 feet tall and produce a pale green, bushy spike. Leaf blades are 1/8 to ¼ inch wide; the sheaths may vary from smooth to densely hairy. At maturity the heads break into 7-awned clusters consisting of 3 spikelets (1 fertile and 2 sterile). Spikelets are 1-flowered. Awns are 1 to 2 ½ inches long. Once established, plants are blue-green in color, and appear as clumps. Foxtail barley is a native of North America, and is especially common in wet or alkaline soils, and rundown meadows and pastures. Foxtail barley is palatable to livestock at younger stages; but awns of mature plants can cause serious injury to animals’ eyes, nose, throat and ears.

Foxtail barley Management (.pdf)