Mouse Barley (Hordeum murinum)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Hordeum murinum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - cooked. Used as a piñole. Only used when easier and better foods were not available. The seed can be ground into a flour and used as a cereal in making bread, porridge etc. — Used as a piñole.; Only used when easier and better foods were not available.; The seed can be ground into a flour and used as a cereal in making bread, porridge etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Disturbed ground and dry grassland. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)