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Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense)

Johnsongrass is a member of the Grass family, Bluestem tribe. It is an introduced, creeping perennial that reproduces by seeds and stout horizontal rhizomes. The stems are erect. The plant may grow from 2 to 8 feet tall. The stems are smooth, pithy, stout, and leafy. The leaf blades are flat and have conspicuous midveins. The flowers and seeds are in large, open, reddish-purple panicles.

Johnsongrass grows in cultivated fields and neglected areas. This plant may be toxic to livestock due to the presence of hydrocyanic acid. Johnsongrass is rapidly becoming a serious problem in southeastern Colorado.

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