Barley, little (Hordeum pusillum)

A short winter annual grass that resembles cultivated barley or wheat when mature. Leaves are rolled in the bud and without auricles. Leaf blades may reach as much as 8 inches in length and range from 1-1/2 to 6 mm in width. Leaves may be without hairs or may have short hairs above and below. Leaves have a membranous ligule that is cut squarely across the top and not tapered or rounded. Ligules are very small and usually range from 0.2 to 0.6 mm in length. Seedheads consist of flattened spikes with long bristly awns that resemble wheat or barley when mature. Leaf sheaths and seedheads turn tan or brown with maturity in the spring.

IPM1007, revised June 2007