WILD PROSO MILLET, Ponicum miliaceum
L. 1, entire plant; 2, enlarged section of upper stem with
panicle; 3, seed; 4, seed with hull. Annual with fibrous
roots, reproducing by seeds. Stems 20 to 60 inches (0.5 to 1.5 m)
tall, either spreading or erect, branched. Leaves and especially
leaf sheaths covered with dense, stiff hairs. Panicle resembling
fall panicurn but larger. Seeds 3/32 to 1/8 inch (2.4 to 3 mm) long,
oval, brown to black, shiny, smooth, readily separated from hulls, resembling
domestic proso millet or "bird seed" but darker. Found in cultivated
fields, particularly field and sweet corn. Grows rapidly; is particularly
well adapted to sandy or drouthy soils and hot weather. Large seedling
resembles volunteer corn but hairy. Prolific seed producer. Seed shatters
easily and is often spread on harvest equipment.