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.