Hordeum marinum

Hordeum marinum_Mediterranean barley_ JM Di Tomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Synonyms: H. marinum ssp. gussoneanum, H. geniculatum, H. gussoneanum. H. hystrix, Critesion geniculatum, C. hystrix, C. marinum

Common names: Mediterranean barley; seaside barley

Hordeum marinum (Mediterranean barley) is a low-statured annual grass (family Poaceae) that is native to the Mediterranean and is commonly found in disturbed sites.  It can outcompete other low-statured native plants and leaves behind a persistent thatch. Mediterranean barley occupies slightly wetter, more saline, and alkaline habitats than Hordeum murinum (hare barley). It can be distinguished from H. murinum by having generally shorter leaves with more hairy leaf sheathes, and shorter lemmas and awns on spikelets.

Cal-IPC Rating: Moderate?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

There are no newsletter articles associated with this species yet.

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Hordeum marinum Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Hordeum marinum_flower spikes_copyright 2009_NealKramer
    Hordeum marinum (Mediterranean barley) flower spikes. Photo: &#169 2009 Neal Kramer