Hordeum murinum

Hordeum murinum

Wall barley

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Taxonomy

Family Poaceae · Genus Hordeum

Common Names

Wall barleyFalse barleyMouse barley

Context

nativeRegion

Native to Eurasia and North Africa; widely naturalized elsewhere.

usdaZones

Annual; grows in USDA Zones 3–9 as a weed or wild grass.

companionPlants

Lolium species, Bromus species, Plantago species

culturalUses

Primarily considered a weed; occasionally used for erosion control and fodder (caution for livestock due to awns).

Care

LightPrefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

WateringRequires moderate watering, generally survives on rainfall, avoid waterlogged conditions.

SoilGrows in a variety of soils, thrives best in well-drained, disturbed soils.

FertilizerRarely requires fertilization; can grow in poor soils without added nutrients.

HumidityTolerant of a range of humidity levels, performs well in dry to moderately humid environments.

TemperatureHardy; tolerates a wide range from cool to warm climates.

HabitAnnual or rarely biennial tufted grass with erect to ascending stems.

Mature SizeTypically 30–70 cm tall.

Growth RateFast-growing, germinates quickly in suitable conditions.

BloomingFlowers in late spring to early summer; produces characteristic spikelets.

DormancyDies off after seed setting, remaining seeds germinate with rains.

MethodsSeed

DifficultyEasy; seeds germinate readily in disturbed soils.

Best SeasonAutumn or spring, depending on regional rainfall pattern.

PruningNot required outside of controlling spread in managed landscapes.

RepottingNot typically cultivated in pots; not relevant.

Pests & DiseasesGenerally resistant; can occasionally be affected by fungal diseases.

ToxicityNot toxic to humans, but awns can be problematic for animals if ingested or embedded in tissue.

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