Barleys, Bristle-grasses and similar species
What are they?
Most of us have seen the heads of Wheat or Barley growing in crop fields and this group consists of species that have a barley or wheat look to them. Most are annual species.
Where are they found?
Generally, these are mostly annual species of waste or disturbed ground, sometimes appearing as garden weeds.
Identification
The long, bristle-like awns on the flower heads distinguish this group. Identification is covered under the individual species.
Bread Wheat Triticum aestivum
|
|
Virginia Wild-rye Elymus virginicus
A native species of fairly shady places, woodland edge or hedge bottoms, generally in damper ground. Flowers July to September. Flowers are striped green and pale yellow.
|
|
|
Foxtail Barley Hordeum jubatum
A widespread and often common species of dry, often barren ground. Flowers June to August. A showy, short species whose flower awns are often tinged pink.
|
|
|
|
Little Barley Hordeum pusillum
Not considered native to New Jersey but may be spreading northward and is occasionally found on disturbed grounds and roadsides. Flowers June to August. As its name suggests, this is a small barley which is usually no more than twelve inches high and often less.
|
|
|
|
Cereal Rye Secale cereale
Occurs occasionally as a self-sown relic of cultivated crops, in waste and cultivated ground and occasionally roadsides. Flowers May to August. Often a rather tall, upright plant, readily recognised by its long, barley-like head and the bluish 'bloom' which covers the entire plant.
|
|
|
blue 'bloom' |
Foxtail Fountain-grass Pennisetum alopecuroides
Commonly grown as a garden ornamental and occasionally self-seeding into the wider countryside. Occasional on waste ground, roadsides and coastal dunes. Flowers July to September.
|
|
|
|
Giant Bristle-grass Setaria magna
A native species found in a few brackish wetland locations. Flowers July to September. An impressive grass that may grow to seven or eight high, with long, stately flower heads.
|
|
|
|
Green Bristle-grass Setaria viridis
Introduced from Europe. Not uncommon weed of waste ground, roadsides and cultivated areas. Flowers July to September.
|
|
|
Foxtail Bristle-grass Setaria italica
Introduced from Europe. Occasionally found as a relic of cultivation and occasionally sown as a 'cover crop' on bare ground. Flowers June to September. This species is unknown in the wild and is generally considered to have originated as a cultivated form of Green Bristle-grass. It is very similar to that species, but is generally larger in all parts, and the florets are smoother.
|
|
|
Nodding Bristle-grass Setaria faberi
(Japanese Bristle-grass) A widespread and often common species of field edges and roadsides and - especially around Cape May Point - commonly in wet ground. Flowers July to October. A distinctive species with its curved, bristly heads.
|
|
|
|
Perennial Bristle-grass Setaria parviflora
(Marsh Bristle-grass) A widespread species of wet ground, often found on the upper margins of saltmarsh. Flowers July to October.
|
|
|
|
Yellow Bristle-grass Setaria pumila
(Yellow Foxtail) Introduced from Europe. A common weed of all kinds of disturbed and waste ground. Flowers July to October. Readily told by its bright yellow bristles.
|
|
|
|