FOXTAIL BARLEY, Hordeum jubatum
L. 1, upper portions of stems with spikes; 2, base of plant;
3, seed with awns; 4, distribution. Perennial, growing
in clumps. Roots densely fibrous. Stems usually erect, 1
to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) high. Leaves alternate, sheaths smooth,
blades 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 mm) wide, rough on upper surface. Spike
2 to 5 inches (5 to 12.5 cm) long, nodding, with rather soft, yellowish-green
or purplish bristles about 2 inches (5 cm) long. Seeds about 1/8
inch (3 mm) long, yellow, hairy. Found in pastures, where it is
especially troublesome, and other noncultivated areas. Bristles may injure
mouths of livestock.
LITTLE BARLEY, Hordeum pusillum Nutt. 5,
part of whole plant; 6, group of spikelets or seeds; 7, seed;
8, distribution. Winter annual or annual. Roots
shallow and fibrous. Stems smooth, 4 to 15 inches (10 to 37.5 cm)
tall, bent slightly at each node. Leaves erect, 3/4 to 2-3/4 inches
(1.9 to 6.9 cm) long, rough on upper surfaces. Spike resembles small
dense head of rye, 1-1/4 to 3-1/4 inches (3 to 8 cm) long, with short,
stiff bristles (5/16 to 5/8 inch or 7.5 to 15 mm). Seed 1/8 to 1/4 inch
(3 to 6 mm) long, hairy at apex, yellow. Found in same places as
above.
