Meadow Barley

Meadow Barley is a rapidly developing, highly tolerant, perennial that grows throughout much of North America. It can abide soil with higher saline concentration and is often found in salt marshes, along coastal beaches, stream banks, meadows and grassy slopes. It will germinate and grow in full sun at elevations ranging from sea level to subalpine. At best it is rated as a moderate forage grass and is typically only used where it is found in profusion. Meadow Barley is best for livestock if it is grazed early in its growing cycle, because when it reaches maturity it is not highly palatable. It is frequently used as fast establishing ground cover to stabilize barren landscapes that are threatened with erosions issues. Seed mixtures used for ecosystem rehabilitation often include Meadow Barely and planting it sparingly will allow for the establishment of other species of grass in the same area. The soil that Meadow Barley is planted in can be either coarse or fine. The extent to which Meadow Barley is processed will affect the size of the final cleaned seed, and thus affect the number of seeds contained in each pound.

Details:
  • Common Name: Meadow Barley
  • Latin Name: Hordeum brachyantherum
  • Type: Native Grass
  • Color: green
  • Cycle: Perennial
  • Origin: Native
  • Height: 12-24"
  • Planting Season: Spring and Fall
  • Bloom Season: Summer
  • Seeds Per Pound: 750,000
  • Seeding Rate: 5

*Planting and Bloom Season. Please remember that Planting and Bloom seasons will differ for each variety depending on the location and climate conditions where they are being planted. Please refer to the USDA Plant Hardiness Map provided in our FAQ section for specifics on how to determine the best time of year to plant for your specific situation. The information provided below is based on experienced agricultural practices throughout the Willamette Valley of Oregon and is applicable to Zones 7-10 only.