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Pearl Millet Cenchrus americanus

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Pennisetum glaucum
Phonetic Spelling
SEN-krus a-mer-ih-KAH-nus
Description

Pearl millet (also known by the genus and species Pennisetum glaucum) is an erect, annual, ornamental grass native to Africa that is well-adapted to poor, drought-stricken and infertile soils. These characteristics make it one of the most drought-resistant cereal crops and a vital subsistence crop in countries surrounding the Sahara Desert and in western Africa where soils are tough and rainfall is low. As climate change continues to affect weather and rainfall patterns, pearl millet is likely to become increasingly important as a crop for the future. Pearl millet is widely grown around the world as a summer forage crop for livestock, a cereal grain, and an ornamental. In addition to being an important food source, pearl millet has a number of medicinal applications as well as very showy flowers, which in turn produce the highly nutritious edible seed called millet.

Pearl millet is easy to grow in evenly moist, well-draining soil in full sun and tolerates dry soils and drought. It does not tolerate shade. Overly wet soils or waterlogged conditions will result in poor seed set.  When growing in clay soils, ensure that good drainage is provided.  The grass performs best in hot summer climates and best germination occurs in warm soils above 70 °F. Cool temperatures or allowing seedlings to become root-bound can lead to stunted growth. Pearl millet grows rapidly, but with a short lifespan. Mature plants can reach up to 10 feet tall and 3 feet wide and are held in place by a robust root system.  

The quality of this forage crop is kept at its optimum by frequent cutting or grazing.  When allowed to grow tall, the quality declines, and it is more difficult to properly dry.  

The genus name comes from the Latin penna meaning "feather" and seta meaning "bristle" in reference to the flowers' long, feathery bristles. The species name glaucum means "having a bluish grey cast". The common name pearl millet refers to the round seeds of this millet species.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Rust and leaf spot are potential problems. Susceptible to damage by chinch bugs and stink bugs.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Jade Princess'
    Green leaves
  • 'Purple Baron'
    Purple leaves
  • Purple Majesty
    Compact, purple-leaved selection developed at the University of Nebraska; stems, leaves, and flowerheads are dark purple.
'Jade Princess', 'Purple Baron', Purple Majesty
Tags:
#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#ornamental grass#dye plant#annual grass#edible fruits#short lifespan#bird friendly#dry soils tolerant#forage#wet soils intolerant#shade intolerant#annual#grass#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Jade Princess'
    Green leaves
  • 'Purple Baron'
    Purple leaves
  • Purple Majesty
    Compact, purple-leaved selection developed at the University of Nebraska; stems, leaves, and flowerheads are dark purple.
'Jade Princess', 'Purple Baron', Purple Majesty
Tags:
#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#ornamental grass#dye plant#annual grass#edible fruits#short lifespan#bird friendly#dry soils tolerant#forage#wet soils intolerant#shade intolerant#annual#grass#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Cenchrus
    Species:
    americanus
    Family:
    Poaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    A dye plant, used medicinally and for hay for livestock.
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Central Africa
    Distribution:
    Worldwide
    Fire Risk Rating:
    high flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    The seeds are highly attractive to birds.
    Play Value:
    Easy to Grow
    Edible fruit
    Edibility:
    Seeds can be eaten raw or cooked or used like rice in sweet or savoury dishes. It can be ground into a powder and used as a flour for making bread or porridge. The grain is often fermented to make various foods and the sweet tasting grains are eaten raw by children.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Occasionally Dry
    Very Dry
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gold/Yellow
    White
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Caryopsis
    Fruit Description:
    The fruits are small, rounded grains that range in color from white to yellow and occasionally brown and purple.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Good Dried
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Size:
    > 6 inches
    Flower Description:
    The inflorescence is a terminal, bottle-brush like, dense raceme of tiny, wind pollinated flowers. The flowerheads can reach up to 1 and 3/4 feet long. Blooms from July to September.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Linear
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The narrowly lanceolate leaves can reach up to 3 feet long and 3 inches wide.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Round
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    The upright stems can reach up to 1 inch in diameter and have a dense covering of hairs at their nodes.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Meadow
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Edible Garden
    Design Feature:
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Poor Soil