#hordeum

Plant of the Day

Saturday 12 July 2025

In the sunshine the nodding silky panicles of Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley, mouse barley, squirrel tail barley, squirrel tail grass) are great in a border catching the light. This densely-tufted annual or perennial grass needs well-drained soil in full sun and can be grown from seed planted in situ in spring or autumn.

Marseille en Mai, au Mont Rose, à l'entrée du Parc National des Calanques. Un peu de botanique :

de l'Orge des rats (Hordeum murinum)

des Asphodèles

des Queues-de-lapin (Lagurus ovatus)

encore des Asphodèles au dessus du petit port de la Madrague-de-Montredon

une Orobanche au milieu des Anthemis maritima (?)

AKA False Barley. A close relative of cultivated barley (H. vulgare).

The most widespread and common of all Hordeum species, originating in the Mediterranean region but an ancient arrival in other parts of the world. The genetics is complicated, with tetraploid and hexaploid subspecies, and unknown and probably extinct ancestors.

Mostly regarded as a difficult weed in cereal crops, these days, but still a useful forage for cattle in dry or drought areas, and the subspecies Mouse Barley H. m. leporinum is a common ingredient in the spring Qingming Festival glutinous rice snack qīngtuán.