Hordeum murinum

Hordeum murinum complex is the most widespread and common of all Hordeum species. The center of distribution of H. murinum is in the Mediterranean area, Central Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. In some regions, it is considered an invasive weed that can outcompete native plants. It is a low-growing grass with a rectangular flower head that has a bearded or spiky appearance due to long awns. It can grow to about 30-50 cm in height, and its unbranched spikes can reach 10 cm long. It produces small, dry seeds and its leaves can be 8 millimetres (5⁄16 in) wide with short, blunt ligules. It is an annual species whose seeds germinate and develop in the spring.