Pearl millet

Gramineae, (Poaceae) Pennisetum typhoides (Burm. f.) Stapf & C.E. Hubb.

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.