foxtail barley

Hordeum jubatum

characteristics

Bunchgrass with long pale green to purple, shiny bristled awns. After flowering the awns turn pale yellow and easily disintegrate. While considered an invasive weed by most of our neighbours, this grass is quite beautiful when seen in large patches having a silvery, almost metallic look. It tends to disappear after a couple of years; in the meantime it keeps out many introduced plants. Also known as squirrel grass.
Pollen causes allergies.

habitat

Abandoned fields, roadsides and open ground. Does especially well in disturbed sites.

uses

Undesired by livestock owners: bristly awns can cause injuries to animals.
Native American children sometimes placed the awns in playmates' clothing as a joke.