Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Zea

Species:

Zea mexicana

USDA Symbol:

ZEME

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jul,aug,sep

Food Forest:

Contains edible parts

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to regions with seasonal rainfall

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

5–14 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily in warm soil temperatures above 15°C. Direct sow after last frost.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI