Fig. 121 Wall Barley

The Description

            This kind of wild Barley, called of the Latins Hordeum Spurium; is called of Pliny, Holcus; in English, Wall Barley, Way Barley, or after old English Writers, Way Bennet. It groweth upon mud walls and stony places by the wayside; very well resembling self-sowed Barley, yet the blades are rather like Grass than Barley. This groweth some foot and better in height, with grassy leaves, the ear is very like that of Rye, and the corn both in colour and shape absolutely resembles it; so that it cannot be fitlier named than by calling it wild Rye, or Rye Grass.

The Virtues.

            This Bastard Wild Barley stamped and applied unto places wanting hair, doth cause it to grow and come forth, whereupon in old time it was called Ristida.