How much sun does Little Barley need?

Little Barley grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Little Barley bloom?

Little Barley blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Little Barley native?

Little Barley (Hordeum pusillum) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 41 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Little Barley toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Little Barley as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Little Barley attract?

Little Barley draws bees and beetles.

Is Little Barley HOA-friendly?

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

Little Barley

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hordeum pusillum

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Little Barley as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–16" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 41 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

Little barley is a small native annual grass that forms compact clumps reaching up to 16 inches tall. It produces delicate seed heads from late spring through summer and requires minimal water once established. This short-lived grass naturally reseeds itself in suitable conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Little 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.

Annual lifecycle creates gaps when plants die back
Seed heads can appear weedy or unkempt
May be mistaken for unwanted weedy grasses

Wildlife value

The flowers and seed heads attract bees and beetles during the growing season. Small birds may also feed on the seeds in late summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Little Barley need?: Little Barley grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Little Barley bloom?: Little Barley blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Little Barley native?: Little Barley (Hordeum pusillum) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 41 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Little Barley toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Little Barley as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Little Barley attract?: Little Barley draws bees and beetles.
Is Little Barley HOA-friendly?: Little 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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