Hordeum vulgare

Hordeum pusillum, also known as Little Barley, is a species of grass in the Poaceae family. It is native to North America and is commonly found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and agricultural fields.

Description

Hordeum pusillum is an annual grass that grows up to 50 cm tall. The leaves are flat and narrow, measuring up to 10 cm long and 1 cm wide. The inflorescence is a dense, spike-like panicle, with each spikelet containing three flowers. The central flower is fertile, while the two lateral flowers are sterile. The fruit is a caryopsis, a type of dry, one-seeded fruit.

Distribution and habitat

Hordeum pusillum is widely distributed across North America, from Canada to Mexico. It is most commonly found in disturbed areas such as roadsides, agricultural fields, and waste places. It can also be found in a variety of natural habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands.

Ecology

Hordeum pusillum is a pioneer species, often colonizing disturbed areas. It is also a common weed in agricultural fields, particularly in cereal crops such as wheat and barley. Despite its status as a weed, it provides food and habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including birds and small mammals.

Uses

While Hordeum pusillum is generally considered a weed, it has been used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes. The seeds have been used as a food source, and the plant has been used in the treatment of various ailments.

Taxonomy

Hordeum pusillum is a member of the Poaceae family, the largest family of flowering plants. It is in the genus Hordeum, which also includes commercially important species such as barley (Hordeum vulgare).