Hordeum jubatum, also known as Foxtail Grass and Foxtail Barley, rippling in the wind beside the road catching and reflecting the sun's light is an ubiquitous sight in Alaska and brings back memories of my growing up years there.
Hordeum jubatum is a perennial plant species in the grass family Poaceae. It occurs wild mainly in northern North America and adjacent northeastern Siberia.
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I thought of grass master Scott Weber and wondered if he might need this in his garden; I certainly thought I should bring it into mine!
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But then I learned about it's negative attributes. "It is considered a weed because of this competitive ability and the dangers it poses to wildlife and livestock. While Foxtail barley may be palatable for animals in early spring before it flowers, its seed heads, when dry, are very harmful to grazing animals. The awns with upward-pointing barbs become easily attached and embedded in the animal's mouth and face, causing severe irritation, abscesses, and even blindness." Alison pulls it as soon as she sees it because dogs and cats that occasionally eat grass can have the problems described above.
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So, I guess this won't be introduced to my garden but I'll certainly enjoy it's pink tinted seed heads echoing the color of magenta fireweed blooming by thee roadside next time I'm in Alaska!
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Hordeum jubatum is a perennial plant species in the grass family Poaceae. It occurs wild mainly in northern North America and adjacent northeastern Siberia.
I thought of grass master Scott Weber and wondered if he might need this in his garden; I certainly thought I should bring it into mine!
But then I learned about it's negative attributes. "It is considered a weed because of this competitive ability and the dangers it poses to wildlife and livestock. While Foxtail barley may be palatable for animals in early spring before it flowers, its seed heads, when dry, are very harmful to grazing animals. The awns with upward-pointing barbs become easily attached and embedded in the animal's mouth and face, causing severe irritation, abscesses, and even blindness." Alison pulls it as soon as she sees it because dogs and cats that occasionally eat grass can have the problems described above.
But it's so beautiful and looks incredibly soft which it isn't.
So, I guess this won't be introduced to my garden but I'll certainly enjoy it's pink tinted seed heads echoing the color of magenta fireweed blooming by thee roadside next time I'm in Alaska!
My favorite plant...this week is hosted by Loree at Danger Garden!