Meadow Barley
Hordeum brachyantherum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 19 more states
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Meadow barley is a compact native grass that forms neat clumps with slender seed heads appearing in late spring through summer. This drought-tolerant perennial maintains a tidy appearance and requires minimal care once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Meadow Barley is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The flowers provide nectar for bees during the blooming season. Seeds offer food for birds and small wildlife.
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.
Does Meadow Barley fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.