This weedy native annual usually grows in bunches. The erect 4-16 inch flowering stems curve abruptly upward from a short basal horizontal segment. Narrow, short leaf blades up to 4 1/2 inches long are ridged on the upper surface. The erect to slightly curved, spike-like flower cluster (technically a raceme) is from 1 1/2 to 3 inches long (A). It is sometimes partially enclosed in the upper leaf sheath and consists of many clusters of 3 spikelets, only the central one fertile. All spikelets, however, have glumes and lemmas with short awns responsible for the bristly appearance. At maturity the flower cluster breaks apart from the top down (C,D).
Disturbed ground. To date, Little Barley has been found only at Fontenelle Forest where it has been locally common at the west end of the recent floodplain prairie planting just east of the blind. It is becoming much less common as the prairie plants establish themselves and disturbance diminishes. Flowering occurs in Late May and June.
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