Foxtail Millet

Setaria italica

Weed Description
Foxtail millet is a stout summer annual that is believed to be native to temperate regions of Asia. Foxtail millet can also be found as a weed of cultivate areas, pastures, turf, and waste sites.

Leaves
Leaf widths vary from 5-21mm in width a membranous ligule is present with a fringe of trichomes .

Stems
Often pubescent at nodes, hollow, and occasionally branched at the base.

Flowers
Seedheads are panicles ranging from 2-20cm in length and 1-4cm in diameter. Bristles have short stiff hairs and seedheads often nodding, similar to other foxtail species.

Roots
Fibrous root system.

Identifying Characteristics
Nodding seedhead similar to other foxtail species, held up by a hollow stem. Foxtail millet has a short membranous ligule with a finge of trichomes near the collar..

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University of Missouri

Foxtail Millet

Setaria italica