Source: Magness et al. 1971
This grass was cultivated in China more than 4000 years ago. It was
introduced into this country from Europe in 1849 and is now grown through the
Plains and Central States north from Texas. It is used as hay, pasture and
green fodder. The seed is used as bird feed.
Foxtail millet is an annual grass growing to 5 feet under the best conditions.
It is a warm weather crop, usually seeded after the soil becomes warm in late
spring. Flowering stems are leafy throughout their length, but the hay or
fodder is less nutritious than a number of other grasses and legumes. For this
reason it is now grown less than in the past. A number of varieties, differing
slightly in characteristics, are available. A weed grass called foxtail is a
close relative.