California Barley
Hordeum brachyantherum subsp. brachyantherum
Care
full sun
very low
Fast, Medium, Slow; Tolerant of a variety of garden soils as long as sufficient moisture is available. Tolerates saline soil..
2–3ft tall
Jun-Aug
Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Seeds harvested and ground for flour; traditional grain
Marshes, wet meadows, and riparian areas throughout California from sea level to 10,000 ft elevation, extending to British Columbia and Mexico
Care Guide
Planting
Plant California Barley in full sun in a location with well-draining soil - it tolerates fast, medium, or slow drainage as long as moisture is adequate. This grass thrives in a variety of garden soils and even tolerates saline conditions, making it flexible for most Bay Area gardens. Plant in fall or early spring to establish before summer heat. Space plants about 2–3 feet apart to accommodate their mature height of 2–3 feet.
After Planting
Water weekly during your first summer to establish a strong root system, then taper to just twice monthly or less once established. In year two and beyond, this is an extremely low-maintenance plant that needs virtually no supplemental water beyond normal Bay Area rainfall - you may not need to water it at all during the wet season. Cut back dead growth in late winter before new spring growth emerges. The #1 mistake is overwatering; this native grass evolved for dry conditions, so err on the side of dry rather than wet.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Northern Rockies and Central Idaho populations listed
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Winter food source Dec-Feb in grassland habitats
Post-breeding dispersal and migration staging Sep-Oct; seeds critical for energy reserves
Fall and winter seed foraging Sep-Mar
Insects
Critical during flowering Jun-Aug; toxin production peak
Spring infection; overwinters on plant tissue
Systemic infection; spores overwinter in seed
Spring through early summer infection period
Soil-borne; active during cool wet periods and at seedling stage
Cool season pathogen; overwinters on plant material
Early season leaf infection; overwinters on debris
Mammals
Historical food source during Jun-Aug seed maturation; now extirpated from California