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Hordeum vulgare

barley

An annual grass, more commonly known as barley with erect green stems and alternate leaves. Green flower spikes and kernels appear in the summer and wave in the breeze, turner paler golden brown as they mature. The number of rows on the flower spike determine which type of barley it is. Six-row barley is used for animal feed as it has a higher protein content where as two-row barley is used for malt production for beer

Other common names
bear barley
Synonyms
Hordeum vulgare var. hexastichum
Hordeum hexastichon
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Brown
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Poaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus

Hordeum, also known as barley, are summer-flowering annual or perennial grasses that originate from temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and South America

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in situ in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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