Hordeum is a genus of annual and perennial plants in the grass family.

The species are native throughout the temperate regions of Africa, Eurasia, and the Americas.

The species are native throughout the temperate regions of Africa, Eurasia, and the Americas.

Some species have become weeds introduced worldwide by human activities, others have become endangered due to habitat loss.

One species, H. vulgare (barley), has become of major commercial importance as a cereal grain, used as fodder crop and for malting in the production of beer and whiskey.