Foxtail Barley is a native grass of disturbed areas, alkaline flats, and roadsides, producing beautiful silky, nodding seed heads in pink and silver that shimmer in the wind. While visually attractive, its barbed awns can injure livestock and pets. It provides seeds for prairie birds but is considered a problem species in pastures.
Best time to see a Foxtail Barley
The best time to see a Foxtail Barley is June–July, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 8,884 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Foxtail Barley? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Foxtail Barley sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Foxtail Barley?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.