Mouse Barley, Smooth barley, Hare barley, Wall barley

Hordeum murinum

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

Europe to N. Africa.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - cooked. Used as a piñole[105, 161, 257]. Only used when easier and better foods were not available[257]. The seed can be ground into a flour and used as a cereal in making bread, porridge etc.

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic A decoction of the plant has been used in the treatment of bladder ailments[257].

Known Hazards

None known