Sea Barley
Hordeum marinum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, ID, IL and 12 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sea barley is a low-growing annual grass that forms compact clumps in spring and early summer. It produces distinctive bristly seed heads and tolerates drought well once established. This cool-season grass completes its life cycle by midsummer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sea Barley takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Annual lifecycle creates gaps and inconsistent coverage
- Bristly seed heads can appear weedy or unkempt
- May self-seed unpredictably creating patchy appearance
Wildlife value
The seed heads provide food for small birds and ground-feeding species. As an annual grass, it offers modest habitat value during its short growing season.
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 Sea Barley fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.