Johnsongrass – Sorghum halepense
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EmailSorghum halepense (L.) Pers.
Poaceae (Grass family)
MI Status
Non-native
Life cycle
Rhizomatous perennial.
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 with purplish, thick, scaly rhizomes.
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.
Reproduction
Seeds and rhizomes.
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