Description: Annual of an upright articulated stem, up to 50 cm high. The leaves are green and up to 8 mm wide. The inflorescence is a spike, cylindrical in shape and densely packed. There are 3 single-flowered spikeletsdx on the teeth. The bracts of all spikelets bear spines. The fruit is a grain.

Flowering time: April-October

Habitat: ruderal habitats and agricultural areas

Interesting fact: Barley is a well-known crop and has been grown for thousands of years.