Wood-barley
Hordelymus europaeus · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant wood-barley: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Form
- Perennial grass
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen
- Flowering
- July to August
- Adult height
- 60 to 120 cm
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15 °C)
- Origin
- Central and northern Europe
- Growth rate
- Moderate to fast
Care
Light exposure
Hordelymus europaeus grows best in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates partially shaded situations well and appreciates good light for optimal development. Lightly wooded areas or forest edges suit it perfectly.
Soil and planting
This grass prefers rich, fresh and well-drained soils, slightly chalky or neutral. It adapts to different soil types but appreciates a pH close to neutral. Avoid overly dry or waterlogged ground.
Watering
Water regularly after planting to establish a vigorous root system. Once established, this grass tolerates dry periods but prefers soil kept moist during growth. In dry climates, regular watering promotes foliage density.
Fertilization
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring to stimulate growth. For grasses, choose fertilizer rich in potassium and low in excessive nitrogen to avoid overly vigorous and unstable development.
Pruning and maintenance
Cut the grass back to ground level in late winter or early spring, before growth resumes. This species doesn't require regular pruning but clearing dead parts maintains the beauty of the plant and prevents disease.
Health and problems
Hordelymus europaeus is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. Good drainage limits the risk of grass rot in wet conditions. In case of stagnant moisture, fungal problems may appear; good air circulation helps prevent these issues.
Did you know?
Hordelymus europaeus, formerly called Hordeum europaeus, belongs to the same family as cultivated barley. This perennial grass long served as natural fodder in central Europe and was harvested from semi-natural meadows. Its scientific name reflects its direct botanical relationship with domestic barleys, even though it has never been domesticated on an agricultural scale.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.