What is the scientific name of barley?

The scientific name for barley is Hordeum vulgare. This name is derived from the genus Hordeum, which encompasses various species of barley, and the specific epithet vulgare denotes the common variety of barley predominantly cultivated for human consumption and animal feed.

Hordeum vulgare is an important cereal grain that has been a staple in various cultures for thousands of years, used not only for food products like bread and porridge but also as a primary ingredient in brewing beer. Understanding the scientific nomenclature helps in recognizing the specific characteristics and biological classification of the plant.

The other names listed refer to different species. Hordeum sativum is an outdated synonym that is sometimes mistakenly used, but it is not the current scientific name. Ceratium fusus is a type of dinoflagellate and unrelated to barley. Hordeum distichon refers to another species of barley known as six-row barley, which is distinct from the two-row barley referenced by Hordeum vulgare, but it is not the correct answer to the question regarding the scientific name of barley.