Two-Rowed Barley
Hordeum distichon

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Hordeum distichon is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. 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 moist soil.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Not known in the wild. Occurs as a relict of cultivation in Britain but it does not persist.

Of uncertain origin, possibly a hybrid between H. spontaneum and a 6-rowed barley.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Seed - cooked. The seed can be ground into a flour and used as a cereal in making bread, porridge etc. Malt is obtained by sprouting and roasting the seed, then boiling the seed. The resulting liquid is a sweet substance that is used in making beer and as a food. The longer the seed is roasted, the darker this liquid will be. The roasted (unsprouted) seed is used as a coffee and a salt substitute.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Coffee: the various substitutes that can be used instead of coffee.

Salt: plants that provide a substitute for salt.

Sweetener: includes sugar substitutes.

Medicine

Rating: 3

Barley grain is an excellent food for convalescence, either in the form of porridge or as a decoction of the seed. It is soothing to the throat and provides easily assimilated nutrients. It can also be taken to clear catarrh. Its demulcent properties soothes inflammation of the gut and urinary tract. It is commonly given to children suffering minor infections or diarrhoea and is particularly recommended as a treatment for feverish states and in catarrhal affections of the respiratory and urinary organs. Made into a poultice, the seed is an effective remedy for soothing and reducing inflammation in sores and swellings. Modern research has shown that barley may be of aid in the treatment of hepatitis, whilst other trials have shown that it may help to control diabetes. Barley bran may have the effect of lowering blood cholesterol levels and preventing bowel cancer.

Antidiarrhoeal: Provides symptomatic relief for diarrhoea. Also see Astringent.

Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.

Nutritive: A food for convalescents to help restore strength.

Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).

Other

Rating:

The stems, after the seed has been harvested, have many uses. They are a source of fibres for making paper, a biomass for fuel etc, they can be shredded and used as a mulch.

Biomass: Provides a large quantity of plant material that can be converted into fuel etc.

Mulch: Used for covering the ground to conserve the nutrients in the soil.

Paper: Related to the entry for Fibre, these plants have been specifically mentioned for paper making.

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils and in climates ranging from sub-arctic to sub-tropical. Easily grown in light soils. Widely cultivated in temperate zones, especially in cooler or moister areas, for its edible seed. There are many named varieties. This species is sometimes considered to be no more than a sub-species of H. vulgare.

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: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

H. vulgare distichon.