Foxtail Barley, Intermediate barley

Hordeum jubatum

Physical Characteristics

Hordeum jubatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in June. 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 and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Most areas of N. America to Siberia. An occasional casual in Britain.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Coffee Seed - raw or cooked[2, 105, 161, 257]. The seed can be ground into a flour and used as a cereal in making bread, porridge etc[177, 183]. Native North Americans would eat the dry flour raw[257]. The seed is exceedingly small and fiddly to use[K]. The roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute[183].

Medicinal Uses

The dry root can be wrapped, then moistened and used as a compress for styes in the eyes or on swollen eyelids[257].

Known Hazards

The barbed awns around the seeds can work their way into the gums and digestive tract of animals when the seed is eaten, causing irritation and inflammation[212]. They can also work their way into the ears and eyes, sometimes causing blindness and even death[212].