Mouse Barley, Smooth barley, Hare barley, Wall barley
Hordeum murinum
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Hordeum murinum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Disturbed ground and dry grassland.
Europe to N. Africa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed - cooked. Used as a piñole. Only used when easier and better foods were not available. The seed can be ground into a flour and used as a cereal in making bread, porridge etc.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 1
A decoction of the plant has been used in the treatment of bladder ailments.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils and in climates ranging from sub-arctic to sub-tropical. Easily grown in light soils.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ in March or October and only just cover the seed. Make sure the soil surface does not dry out if the weather is dry. Germination takes place within 2 weeks.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist