Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.

Johnson Grass

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Johnson Grass is an introduced perennial in the Grass family (Poaceae). It is native to the Mediterranean region, but has been introduced worldwide. In Alabama, it can be found in every county. Johnson Grass grows in fields and pastures, on roadsides, along railroads, and in disturbed areas. Johnson Grass was first introduced into the United States in South Carolina with seed from Turkey. In Alabama it was widely planted along the Alabama River in the 1840’s by Colonel William Johnson of Selma, who planted it as a forage species for livestock. The species common name is in his honor. Johnson Grass is a warm season rhizomatous grass. The rhizomes may extend for many feet in all directions and as deep as 3 feet into the soil. Culms (above ground stems) are from 6 to 7 feet in height. Total height of flowering plants may reach 12 feet. Stems are generally unbranched. Leaves are alternate and the basal portion sheaths the stem. The blade is flat, 1-3 inches in width, and either pubescent or glabrous. The leaves have a prominent whitish midrib. Flowers are produced spikelets arranged in a terminal panicle. The lemmas are pubescent and either awnless or with short, twisted awns. The seed is a grain. Johnson Grass was widely planted as a forage grass. However at certain stages of growth or under adverse growing conditions the plant form cyanogenetic glycosides that can poison livestock. Johnson Grass is listed as a Category 2 invasive species in Alabama by the Alabama Invasive Plant Council.--A. Diamond

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Not Native FACU (NWPL)

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