How much sun does Dwarf Barley need?

Dwarf Barley grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Dwarf Barley bloom?

Dwarf Barley blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Dwarf Barley native?

Dwarf Barley (Hordeum depressum) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Dwarf Barley HOA-friendly?

Dwarf Barley takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Dwarf Barley

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hordeum depressum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Dwarf Barley (Hordeum depressum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–16" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, ID, OR, WA

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Dwarf barley is a low-growing native annual grass that forms small clumps in spring. It produces delicate seed heads from April through June before completing its life cycle in summer.

In an HOA neighborhood

Dwarf Barley takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Dies back completely in summer leaving bare spots
Can appear weedy or unkempt
Annual nature creates inconsistent coverage

Wildlife value

This native grass provides seeds for birds and small mammals. As an annual grass, it offers habitat structure for beneficial insects during its growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Dwarf Barley need?: Dwarf Barley grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Dwarf Barley bloom?: Dwarf Barley blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Dwarf Barley native?: Dwarf Barley (Hordeum depressum) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Dwarf Barley HOA-friendly?: Dwarf Barley takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Dwarf Barley? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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