Meadow Barley (Hordeum secalinum) is a perennial grass native to Europe, thriving in damp meadows and pastures. It reaches up to 0.6 meters in height, with slender, erect stems and narrow leaves. The plant features a spike-like inflorescence with awned spikelets. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Meadow Barley plays a crucial role in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion. It is an excellent forage grass for livestock, offering a nutritious fodder source. As part of a food forest, it serves as a ground cover layer, enhancing biodiversity by providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. Historically, it has been used in traditional farming systems for its resilience and soil health benefits. Guild companions include nitrogen-fixing plants like clover, which enhance soil fertility, and wildflowers that attract beneficial insects.
Growing Details
Meadow Barley thrives in damp, well-drained loamy soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Mulching with straw or grass clippings helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include clover for nitrogen fixation and wildflowers to attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils, to prevent root rot. Harvest seeds when they are fully mature and dry them th
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Hordeum secalinum</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe, particularly in damp meadow
applicable geo region: Europe
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of May for 30 days
Harvest:
middle
of July for 30 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The seeds of Meadow Barley can be harvested and used as a grain, though they are not commonly consumed due to their small size and the presence of awns. They can be ground into flour for use in baking or as a cereal grain.
Medicinal Rating:
(0/5)
medicinal uses:
health concerns:
other uses: Meadow Barley can be used as mulch to improve soil health and retain moisture. It also serves as a cover crop to suppress weeds and enhance soil structure.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Hordeum secalinum</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Hordeum secalinum
common names: Meadow Barley; False Barley; Meadow Hordeum
family: Poaceae
sub family: Pooideae
tribe: Triticeae
sub tribe:
genus: Hordeum
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.0 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 20ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 25ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity: Medium
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(5/10)
first harvest: 90 years
life span: 3 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 0.6 m
max width: 0.3 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Meadow Barley thrives in damp, well-drained loamy soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve fertility and drainage. Mulching with straw or grass clippings helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include clover for nitrogen fixation and wildflowers to attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils, to prevent root rot. Harvest seeds when they are fully mature and dry them th
Potential Disturbances: Meadow Barley is generally resistant to most pests but can occasionally be affected by rusts and smuts. To manage these, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings by planting nearby flowering plants. Use neem oil or garlic spray as organic treatments if necessary. Companion planting with garlic or chives can help deter fungal diseases.
Growth Timeline
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