Sorghum is a strong grass and usually grows to a height of 0.6 to 2.4 meters (2 to 8 feet), sometimes reaching as high as 4.6 meters (15 feet). Stalks and leaves are coated with white wax, and the pith, or central portion, of the stalks of certain varieties, is juicy and sweet. The leaves are about 5 cm (2 inches) broad and 76 cm (2.5 feet) long. The tiny flowers are produced in panicles that range from loose to dense; each flower cluster bears 800–3,000 kernels. The seeds vary widely among different types in color, shape, and size, but they are smaller than those of wheat.

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