Broom corn is a type of sorghum that is grown primarily for its fibrous stalks rather than its seeds. It is also known as Sorghum bicolor and Andropogon sorghum. Broom corn is a tall plant that can reach heights of up to 12 feet.
The stalks of broom corn are rigid and upright, with elongated leaves that can grow up to 2 inches wide and 2 feet long. The leaves are a vibrant green color and have a rough texture. The stalks are densely packed with fibers that are long, stiff, and straight.
At the top of the stalk, broom corn produces seed heads that are distinctive and visually striking. The seed heads are comprised of multiple branches, each containing small, round seeds. The seeds can vary in color from light brown to dark brown or even black.
In addition to its visual characteristics, broom corn is also known for its versatility. The long, straight fibers in the stalks make broom corn an ideal material for producing brooms, brushes, and decorative items. Its unique appearance and durable nature have made it a popular choice for craftspeople and artisans.
What Does Broom Corn Look Like
Broom corn, also known as sorghum bicolor, is a unique and versatile plant that is primarily grown for the production of brooms and brushes. It is characterized by its tall, sturdy stalks and vibrant, feathery seed heads, which give it a distinct appearance.
The stalks of broom corn can grow up to 10-15 feet in height and feature a thick, fibrous texture. They are typically a light green color, but can range from shades of yellow and red to brown, depending on the variety and maturity of the plant.
The most striking feature of broom corn is its seed heads. These seed heads are composed of small, densely-packed bristles, which can measure up to 18 inches in length. The bristles are usually a golden or reddish-brown color, adding to the plant’s overall visual appeal.
When fully mature, the seed heads of broom corn can be harvested and used in various crafts, such as making brooms, brushes, and decorative items. Due to its durability and aesthetic appeal, broom corn has been a popular choice for traditional broom-making for centuries.
In addition to its practical uses, broom corn is also valued for its ornamental qualities. Its unique appearance makes it a popular choice for landscaping and garden design, as it adds height, texture, and visual interest to outdoor spaces.
Overall, broom corn is a fascinating and visually striking plant. Its tall stalks and feathery seed heads make it instantly recognizable, and its versatility makes it a valuable resource for various industries and creative pursuits.
Characteristics of Broom Corn
Broom corn, also known as sorghum bicolor, is a tall, annual grass that belongs to the cereal family. It is known for its unique appearance and diverse uses. Here are some of the characteristics of broom corn:
1. Height and Structure
Broom corn plants can grow up to 12 feet tall, making them highly recognizable in the field. The plant has a thick, straight stalk that is usually sturdy and strong.
2. Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of broom corn are long and narrow, similar to those of corn plants. They are arranged alternately along the stem. Broom corn produces flowers that are small, inconspicuous, and typically yellow or brown in color.
3. Seedheads and Bristles
The most distinctive feature of broom corn is its seedheads and bristles. Unlike traditional corn, broom corn produces seedheads that are shaped like large, bushy brooms. These seedheads contain seeds, along with long, stiff bristles that give it a unique appearance.
These bristles are the reason why broom corn is widely used in the production of brooms, brushes, and other similar products. The bristles provide excellent strength and durability, making them perfect for sweeping and cleaning.
Furthermore, broom corn bristles can also be dyed in different colors, adding a decorative touch to broom products. This makes broom corn not only functional but also aesthetically appealing.
In addition to its use in broom production, broom corn can also be used as animal feed and for making decorative crafts. Some people even grow broom corn for ornamental purposes due to its unique appearance and the sound it makes when brushing against each other in the wind.
In conclusion, broom corn is a tall, annual grass that stands out due to its large seedheads and stiff bristles. Its unique characteristics make it suitable for various applications, including broom making, animal feed, and decorative crafts.
Appearance of Broom Corn
Broom corn, also known as Sorghum vulgare, is an annual grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is cultivated mainly for its unique appearance and its use in making brooms and brushes.
The stalks of broom corn can reach a height of 8 to 15 feet, making it a tall and impressive plant. The stems are thick, sturdy, and cylindrical, providing the necessary support for the plant to grow upright.
The leaves of broom corn are long, narrow, and tapered, resembling the shape of a lance. They are arranged alternately along the stems and give the plant a lush and vibrant green color.
One of the most distinctive features of broom corn is its inflorescence, which is composed of a dense and elongated cluster of branches. These branches are called panicles and can measure up to 2 feet long. They are covered with tiny flowers that are usually red or bronze in color.
As the flowers mature, they give way to small, hard fruits known as caryopses. These caryopses are enclosed in papery husks and can vary in color depending on the variety of broom corn. Some varieties produce caryopses in shades of brown, while others produce them in shades of black or white.
Overall, the appearance of broom corn is unique and eye-catching. Its tall stalks, lance-shaped leaves, and elongated panicles make it a visually appealing addition to any garden or agricultural landscape.
Features of Broom Corn Plant
Broom corn, also known as Sorghum bicolor, is a unique plant that is cultivated for its impressive features and uses. Here are some notable features of broom corn:
Growth Habit
Broom corn is an annual grass-like plant that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It has thick and sturdy stalks that provide stability and support to the plant.
Leaves
The leaves of broom corn are long and narrow, resembling blades of grass. They grow alternately along the stalks and are typically green in color.
Seedheads
One of the most distinctive features of broom corn is its seedheads. Unlike regular corn, broom corn does not produce edible kernels. Instead, it develops highly branched seedheads that resemble broom bristles.
The seedheads are generally long and upright, with multiple branches that can vary in color, ranging from green to red to brown. These unique seedheads are what make broom corn a popular choice for creating brooms, whisk brooms, and other decorative items.
Flowers
Broom corn produces small flowers that are typically self-pollinating. The flowers can be found on the seedheads and are usually unnoticeable compared to the vibrant colors of the seedheads themselves.
However, the flowers play a crucial role in the reproductive process of the plant, allowing it to produce seeds for future growth.
Uses
Broom corn has been cultivated for centuries due to its usefulness in various applications. The unique seedheads are harvested, dried, and then used to make brooms, brushes, and other cleaning tools.
Additionally, broom corn seedheads are often used in decorative arrangements, wreaths, and as ornamental elements in gardens and landscapes.
Overall, broom corn is a fascinating plant with its distinct features and versatile uses, making it a popular choice for both practical and aesthetic purposes.
Identifying Broom Corn
Broom corn (Sorghum bicolor) is a unique plant that produces tall stems with large seed heads. Here are some key features to help you identify broom corn:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | Broom corn plants can grow up to 14 feet tall, making them significantly taller than most other crops. |
| Seed heads | The top part of broom corn plants contains seed heads that resemble a broom or brush. The seed heads are composed of tightly packed, bristly fibers. |
| Colors | Broom corn is available in various colors, including green, red, bronze, and multicolor. The color of the seed heads can vary depending on the specific variety. |
| Leaves | The leaves of broom corn plants are long and slender, similar in appearance to corn leaves. They are typically a vibrant shade of green. |
| Stalks | The stalks of broom corn plants are thick and sturdy, providing support for the tall plant. They can range in color from green to brown. |
| Growth habit | Broom corn plants have a highly upright growth habit, with the seed heads located at the top of the plant. |
By taking these features into account, you should be able to easily identify broom corn in a garden or field setting.
Broom Corn Varieties
Broom corn is a type of sorghum that is grown specifically for its long, sturdy stalks, which are used to make brooms. There are several different varieties of broom corn, each with its own unique characteristics.
Standard Broom Corn: This is the most common variety of broom corn, known for its tall stalks that can reach up to 12 feet in height. It has a natural straw color and is often used for traditional broom-making.
Red Broom Corn: As the name suggests, this variety has a striking red color that adds a decorative element to brooms. It is shorter than standard broom corn, typically growing to around 6-8 feet.
Striped Broom Corn: This variety features stalks with stripes of different colors, giving brooms a unique and eye-catching appearance. The stripes can be a combination of red, green, yellow, and brown.
Dwarf Broom Corn: This variety is ideal for small spaces or container gardening, as it only grows to a height of 3-4 feet. Despite its smaller size, dwarf broom corn still produces high-quality stalks suitable for broom-making.
Flame Broom Corn: Flame broom corn is named for its vibrant orange and red hues, which resemble flames. This variety is often used in decorative brooms and adds a fiery touch to any arrangement.
Mohawk Broom Corn: Mohawk broom corn is known for its long, slender stalks and vibrant purple color. It is valued for its durability and is often used in premium-quality brooms.
Overall, these different varieties of broom corn offer a range of options for broom makers and add beauty and uniqueness to traditional broom designs.
