grain sorghum
Sorghum bicolor spp.                                      

Identifying Characteristics:

Seed:  seed varies in color from white to brown; rounded seed with pointed attachment point; often have stretch marks

Seedling:    long, smooth leaf blades with prominent midrib; split sheath that overlaps; no auricles; membranous, short ligule

Mature Plant: bunch-type growth habit with few upright tillers; compact panicle seed head with paired spikelets

Method of Propagation: seed

Life Cycle: warm-season annual

Similar Species: corn – sorghum will tiller whereas corn is a single upright stalk; johnsongrass – the panicle of johnsongrass is a more open panicle than grain sorghum, also grain sorghum is a shorter and stouter plant

References: Abaye, A. Ozzie. "Identification & Adaption: Common Grasses, Legumes & Non-leguminous Forbs of the Eastern United States."
Moore, Kenneth J. “Compendium of Common Forages.” From “Forages: An Introduction to Grassland Agriculture.”