Image is of a leaf blade of johnsongrass alongside a purple seedhead.

Johnsongrass – Sorghum halepense

Sorghum 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.

The photo is of a patch of johnsongrass growing along planting of Christmas trees.
Johnsongrass patch
The photo is of the johnsongrass ligule. It is membranous and very prominent.
Johnsongrass ligule
The photo is of a johnsongrass leaf blade alongside a purple seedhead.
Johnsongrass seedhead
The photo is of a johnsongrass purple rhizome..
Johnsongrass rhizome

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  • msu plant & pest diagnostics,
  • perennial

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