Wall barley
Hordeum murinum · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant wall barley: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Type
- Annual or winter grass
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer (May-July)
- Foliage
- Deciduous, narrow and linear leaves
- Hardiness
- Excellent, cold-resistant
- Origin
- Mediterranean and Southern Europe
- Growth
- Fast
Care
Light exposure
Foxtail barley thrives in full sun, where it develops optimal structure. However, it tolerates light partial shade. For robust growth and abundant flowering, give it direct sunny exposure. It's not particularly demanding regarding light conditions.
Soil and drainage
This grass adapts to most soils, even poor or chalky ones. Well-draining soil is preferable to prevent root suffocation. It tolerates dry and compacted soils, making it ideal for difficult areas. No organic matter amendment is essential.
Watering
Foxtail barley is naturally low-water in its needs. Moderate watering during the first weeks of growth is enough to establish it. Once established, it tolerates drought very well and requires practically no irrigation. Avoid excess moisture that could encourage disease.
Pruning and management
Like most annual grasses, foxtail barley doesn't require pruning. You can mow or cut back the plant after flowering or let it reseed naturally. If it becomes invasive, remove the spikes before maturity to limit seed dispersal.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary for this hardy grass. It thrives on the natural nutrients in the soil. Adding fertilizer could even promote excessive growth at the expense of structure. Let it develop without mineral intervention.
Diseases and pests
Foxtail barley is naturally robust and rarely suffers from serious diseases. In overly humid or poorly aerated environments, fungi can emerge. Good drainage and adequate air circulation are usually enough to prevent any problems. Aphids are rare and don't significantly harm its vigor.
Did you know?
Foxtail barley gets its common name from its characteristic spikelets arranged in branched clusters that resemble a small rodent's tail. Though related to cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare), this wild species was once considered a field weed before seducing modern gardeners with its graphic appearance and remarkable resilience to difficult conditions.
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.