Foxtail Barley, Squirrel tail grass
Hordeum jubatum
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
A grass plant. It grows 50-60 cm high and 25-30 cm wide. The leaves are mid-green. The flower head arches over to form a silky head with soft hairs. These are on erect stems. The flower spikelets are pale green at first and often have a red or purple flush.
There are about 20 Hordeum species.
Where it is found
It is frost hardy. It can grow in salt marshes. It grows in meadows and moist places in north China. It suits hardiness zones 5-8.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, Chile, China, Europe, Falklands, Korea, Luxembourg, North America, Russia, Siberia, Slovenia, South America, USA
How it is used for food
The seeds are used as a cereal. They are also parched and made into a coffee like drink.
Edible parts
Seeds, cereal
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Lisičjerepi ječmen