Sorghum beauty

Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal crop in the world. We hear it mentioned in food production, but what is sorghum really? Its uses vary, but mostly sorghum is a gluten-free grain, or grass, that's used in the production of animal feed, alcoholic beverages, paper, adhesives, molasses and bio-fuels (sweet sorghum). That's a pretty diverse list, especially as a bio-fuel. This was recently discovered by environmental scientists after corn ethanol ended up not being the alternate fuel savior many believed it would be. Sorghum's large (lingo) cellulose-rich stalks can be converted into ethanol quite effectively. An environmental bonus is that sorghum is a drought resistant plant grown massively and inexpensively all over the world, so it can fulfill its diverse job-description easily.


With such an impressive resume, it’s easy to forget that sorghum is also a pretty flower. It’s in season right now with coppery red blooms covering fields all over Maryland. From a distance, sorghum might be mistaken for the amaranthus plant, due to its similarities in texture, color and height. But up close, sorghum’s corn like foliage and stiff blooms stand out against the soft, velvety leaves of the amaranthus.


Sorghum is beautiful both by itself or combined with other flowers in an arrangement. One variety of sorghum is called "broom corn", and it’s used by floral designers to create wreaths, swags, and floral brooms. Traditional African weddings have a “jumping of the broom” ritual where the bride and groom jump over a broom made of sorghum (broom corn) which is can also decorated with bridal themed flowers. Sorghum can also be used for country style flower baskets and bridal bouquets.


If you’d like purchase sorghum for decoration, you can special order it with your local florist from late August through November, as it is not a typically stocked item. It holds up well, although the tiny seeds can be a nuisance when they drop. It’s best to store it in a place where it won't get touched, and let it dry naturally. It should last for at least season or two before it fades.

Gluten-free sorghum beer? Why not?

With all its varied uses, the true beauty of sorghum may be simply watching it grow in fields. The stems are long and showy and the rich jewel-toned flowers are perfect for a flower gazing road trip. Many farms in Baltimore, Harford County and the Eastern Shore grow sorghum and it’s at its peak right now. Who knew a grain could so beautiful?

All photos by the Flower Spy.