Macoun’s Barley: A Hardy Native Grass for Naturalized Landscapes
If you’re looking for a tough-as-nails native grass that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it, let me introduce you to Macoun’s barley (×Elyhordeum macounii). This unassuming perennial grass might not win any beauty contests, but what it lacks in flashy good looks, it more than makes up for in resilience and ecological value.
What Makes Macoun’s Barley Special?
Macoun’s barley is actually a natural hybrid grass, which explains that little × symbol in front of its scientific name. This hardy perennial is truly North American through and through – it’s native to Alaska, Canada, and the lower 48 states, making it one of our continent’s most widely distributed native grasses.
You’ll find this adaptable grass growing across an impressive range that includes Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska, Manitoba, California, Ontario, Colorado, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Talk about getting around!
Should You Plant Macoun’s Barley in Your Garden?
Here’s the honest truth: Macoun’s barley isn’t going to be the star of your ornamental garden. But if you’re creating a naturalized landscape, working on erosion control, or establishing a prairie garden, this grass could be exactly what you need.
Reasons to consider planting it:
- Excellent for erosion control on slopes and disturbed areas
- Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established
- Provides habitat and cover for small wildlife
- Perfect for restoration projects and naturalized areas
- Low maintenance requirements
- Adapts to various soil conditions
Reasons you might want to skip it:
- Limited ornamental value compared to other native grasses
- Can spread and self-seed (which may or may not be desired)
- Better suited for larger, naturalized spaces than small gardens
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about Macoun’s barley is how forgiving it is. This grass is incredibly adaptable and can handle a wide range of growing conditions, which probably explains its massive geographic distribution.
Preferred conditions:
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
- Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, from sandy to clay
- Moisture: Drought tolerant once established, but can handle occasional wet conditions
- Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- pH: Tolerates a wide range of soil pH levels
Wetland Tolerance
Interestingly, Macoun’s barley shows different wetland preferences depending on where you are. In Alaska, it’s typically found in upland areas and rarely in wetlands. However, in regions like the Great Plains and Midwest, it can handle both wet and dry conditions equally well. This flexibility makes it valuable for transitional areas in your landscape where moisture levels might vary.
Planting and Care Tips
Growing Macoun’s barley successfully is refreshingly straightforward:
- Seeding: Direct seed in fall or early spring when soil temperatures are cool
- Spacing: Allow plenty of room as this grass can spread naturally
- Watering: Water during establishment, then let nature take over
- Maintenance: Minimal once established – occasional mowing or cutting back in late winter if desired
- Fertilizing: Generally unnecessary; native grasses prefer lean soils
Wildlife and Ecological Benefits
While Macoun’s barley might not attract butterflies like wildflowers do, it still provides important ecological services. The grass offers cover and nesting sites for ground-dwelling birds and small mammals. Its seeds can provide food for various bird species, and the root system helps prevent soil erosion while improving soil structure.
The Bottom Line
Macoun’s barley isn’t the most glamorous plant you’ll ever grow, but it’s incredibly useful for the right applications. If you’re working on a large-scale naturalization project, need erosion control, or want to establish a low-maintenance prairie area, this hardy native grass could be a perfect fit. Just remember that it’s more of a supporting actor than a leading star in the landscape theater.
For smaller ornamental gardens, you might want to consider showier native grasses like little bluestem or buffalo grass. But for those times when you need a plant that can handle tough conditions and keep on growing, Macoun’s barley has got your back – or should I say, your landscape!
