Two-Rowed Barley (Hordeum distichon)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Hordeum distichon is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet substance that is used in making beer and as a food. — The seed can be ground into a flour and used as a cereal in making bread, porridge etc.; Malt is obtained by sprouting and roasting the seed, then boiling the seed.; The resulting liquid is a sweet substance that is used in making beer and as a food.; The longer the seed is roasted, the darker this liquid will be.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in the wild. Occurs as a relict of cultivation in Britain but it does not persist. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)