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Johnsongrass

(Sorghum halpense)

Johnsongrass is a perennial grass native to the Mediterranean region. The erect stems of this grass grow to be 2 to 8 feet tall and they are generally solid. The base of the stalks is reddish-pink in color. Leaves of this grass range from 6 to 20 inches long and are 1/2 to 1 inch wide. The blades are flat with a very distinctive white mid vein with maturity. The ligules of the plant are membranous and are surrounded by fine hairs. The inflorescence of Johnsongrass are is a large open panicle, reddish to purple in color. The spikelets of the panicle are generally awn-tipped and shiny. Not all spikelets will contain awns, but the awns that are present can be bent and needle-like. Johnsongrass reproduces by seed and thick fibrous rhizomes.

Johnsongrass fact sheet