Shattercane

Common: Shattercane

Scientific: Sorghum bicolor

Affected Crops: Corn, cotton, soybeans.

Identification: This annual grass has smooth, erect stems that grow up to 6 feet in height. Seed heads are very tall and open. Spikelets are hairy with awns, falling easily and early. The leaves look much like those of sorghum, about 6-20 inches long.

Geographical Distribution: A weed problem in all the United States except in Northwestern states. This robust annual is a problem in cultivated crops.