Cadmium uptake and distribution in spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants were studied in relation to their age. After 4 days of treatment with a solution with 100 μM cadmium the metal content in organs of 7-, 14- and 21- day-old plants was notably different. The concentration of cadmium in roots and stems increased with plant age, whereas in leaves it either did not change or even decreased somewhat. Furthermore, the proportion of cadmium transported from roots to shoots decreased in older plants, which testifies their barrier function strengthened. Although cadmium supply to barley plants increased considerably with age no significant distinctions were revealed in the response of the plants to the metal. It is supposed that age-related changes in plant cells and tissues, which accelerated cadmium uptake from the solution, go along with more effective operation of the mechanisms facilitating immobilization of excess quantities of cadmium ions in underground organs, thus promoting plant adaptation.