However, as it escaped often from gardens it can be found worldwide in areas with temperate to warm climates, and is considered a weed in many countries.

Seed that germinates in the fall can overwinter and then resume growing in early spring, giving foxtail barley a competitive advantage over many crops.

Foxtail barley is a shallow-rooted plant with germination occurring at soil depths not greater than 3 inches (7.6 cm).

The seedling of foxtail barley first appears as thin, vertical leaves covered in short, dense hairs.

The leaves have prominent venation and rough margins, while auricles are absent or elemental and the membranous ligule is very short with fine hairs.

Foxtail barley is a fibrous-rooted, densely tufted grass that grows from 30–100 centimetres (12–39 in) tall and is erect or reclining at the base.

Its extensive root systems and aggressive habit, as well as its ability to tolerate saline soils make it a resilient competitor.

[8] Since foxtail barley accumulates high amounts of salt in its leaves and roots, it has the potential of reducing soil salinity.

The Chippewa and Potawatomi used the root as medicine; the Kawaiisu pounded and ate the seeds dry, or used the plant as a tool to rub the skin off yucca stalks.

Jacques Rousseau [fr] noted Iroquois children placing the dried seed heads in the sleeves of others as a prank.