IDENTIFICATION
Annual grass.
Wild proso millet is a fibrous-rooted grass with upright stems
branching at the base, and wide leaf blades with a fringe of dense hairs
at the base of the leaves. The spreading, loosely branched flower cluster
has numerous small spikelets,
each on its own threadlike stalk. These produce seeds that are smooth,
shiny, and olive brown to black. The mature grass grows to 1.8 m.
DAMAGE
This weed is a vigorous competitor in row crops, especially corn, beans,
and soybeans.
It is not a problem in rangelands or natural areas.
HABITAT
Wild proso millet is particularly adapted to dry, sandy soils and
is commonly found in crops and along field edges and roadsides. It occurs
infrequently in British Columbia, but has been found in corn fields in
the Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Enderby and Abbotsford areas. It is present
in the Okanagan, Thompson, Lower Mainland, and Peace River agricultural
regions.
SPREAD
Wild proso millet reproduces and is spread by seed dispersal.
