Johnsongrass
June 12, 2015
Print
EmailSorghum halepense (L.) Pers. Poaceae (Grass family)
Life cycle
Rhizomatous perennial.
Patch of Johnsongrass.
Leaves
Bright green leaves are hairless with a prominent, white midvein. Leaves are rolled in the bud and may be up to 24 inches long. Leaf sheaths are also hairless.
Ligule
Very prominent, jagged, membranous ligule.
Stems
Erect, stout, hairless stems may reach 10 feet in height. Round to sometimes flattened stems are purple-tinted at the base. Plants form dense patches by purplish, thick, scaly rhizomes.
Johnsongrass collar region.
Flowers and fruit
The seedhead is a purple, very large, open and spreading, pyramid-shaped panicle that consists of numerous whorled branches. Seeds are oval, shiny and reddish brown.
Johngrass seedhead.
Reproduction
Seeds and rhizomes.
Johnsongrass rhizome section.
Print a PDF of this page: Johnsongrass
Other Documents in this Series
You Might Also Be Interested In
-
Inspired and in-person: face-to-face programming returns for Michigan 4-H
Published on August 25, 2021
-
MSU Extension to undertake three-year, $7 million vaccination education effort
Published on August 17, 2021
-
Fairs and 4-H: the tradition continues in 2021
Published on August 31, 2021
-
MSU Product Center helps Michigan food entrepreneurs survive and thrive throughout pandemic
Published on August 31, 2021
-
Protecting Michigan’s environment and wildlife through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Published on September 1, 2021
-
MSU to study precision livestock farming adoption trends in U.S. swine industry
Published on March 15, 2021
Accessibility Questions:
For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.