Hordeum vulgare

Name and publication

Hordeum vulgare L., Sp. Pl. 1: 84 (1753).

Description

Spikes of barley are more or less cylindrical, dense, with conspicuous awns. Individual spikelets are one-flowered, with three spikelets at each node of the jointed stalk. Due to the infertility of some spikes, the resulting cluster may be 2-rowed or 4-rowed. Spikes used in potpourri generally are 5-10 cm long x 7-10 mm wide.

Nativity and distribution

Hordeum vulgare is native to Eurasia and North Africa but widely cultivated.

Family

Poaceae (alt. Gramineae)