Squirreltail Barley (Hordeum jubatum) field in Kluane National Park, Yukon

Squirreltail Barley (Hordeum jubatum) field in Kluane National Park, Yukon

© Helge Schulz/Minden Picture

Showy and attractive

Native to North America, the Squirreltail Barley is a unique feathery flower that is approximately 60 centimetres tall. It flourishes in damp soil along with abundant sunshine. During its peak blooming season, the spike is light green with a pinkish tint. The colour pops out when planted in a large swathe like in our image today. Despite its beauty, this decorative plant is unfavourable among ranchers as the sharp awns can injure animals.

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