Gramineae, (Poaceae) Pennisetum typhoides (Burm. f.) Stapf & C.E. Hubb.
Source: Magness et al. 1971
Pearl millet is native to India but came to the United States via the West
Indies. It is a tall upright annual grass, up to 10 feet, with coarse stems
which grow in dense clumps. Leaves are coarse, 2 to 3 feet long and an inch
wide and numerous. In fertile soil it produces great amounts of green fodder,
which is palatable and nutritious, and can be cut repeatedly during a season.
It is grown both for pasture and silage. it can be grown as far north as
Maryland, but is better farther south. The seed is planted directly in the
field, generally in rows about 4 feet apart.