Wood millet (Milium effusum, Sp. Pl.: 61 (1753))

Family: Poaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 61 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Milium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Temp. Northern Hemisphere

Description

Wood millet, scientifically known as Milium effusum, is a notable member of the grass family, Poaceae. It was first described in the seminal work, Species Plantarum by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, and has since gained recognition for its distinctive features and widespread presence.

This elegant grass typically inhabits temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, thriving in environments that provide the right balance of moisture and shade. Recognizable by its lush, green foliage, Wood millet forms dense clumps, which can reach up to 1.2 meters in height. The plant exhibits a graceful arching habit, with thin, smooth stems and broad leaves that give it a somewhat delicate appearance.

One of the key characteristics of Milium effusum is its inflorescence, a loose, spreading panicle that emerges in late spring to early summer. The panicle consists of numerous small spikelets that dangle lightly in the breeze, creating an airy, almost ethereal effect. These spikelets contain the reproductive structures and, upon maturity, release seeds that contribute to the plant’s proliferation.

Ecologically, Wood millet plays a significant role in forested ecosystems. It often forms the undergrowth layer in deciduous and mixed woodlands, providing both ground cover and food for various wildlife species. The seeds are particularly favored by many bird species, while the foliage serves as a food source for certain insects.

Wood millet is also known for its adaptability to different soil types, although it prefers well-drained, fertile soils. Its ability to establish quickly makes it an excellent plant for soil stabilization and erosion control in reforestation projects.

Despite its many benefits, Milium effusum can sometimes be seen as a weed in managed forests and woodlands due to its vigorous growth and ability to outcompete other vegetation. However, its aesthetic appeal in naturalistic planting schemes and wildlife gardens often outweighs these concerns.

In summary, Milium effusum, or Wood millet, is a versatile and ecologically valuable grass that thrives across many temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Its distinctive features and role in supporting forest ecosystems underscore its importance in both natural and managed landscapes.

Common Names

Dan: almindelig miliegræs, miliegræs
Deu: flattergras
Eng: millet grass, wood millet, american milletgrass
Nld: bosgierstgras
Swe: hässlebrodd
Nor: lukt-hirs
Fra: millet des bois, millet diffus, mil, millet sauvage, millet étalé
Sme: healvasuoidni, elvesuoidni, helvesuoidni
Cym: miled, miled wellt, miledwellt, miledwellt cyffredin, miledwellt y coed
En: Wood millet, Millet grass, American milletgrass, Wild Millet
Ca: Mill de bosc
Da: Almindelig miliegræs, Miliegræs
Nl: Bosgierstgras
Fr: Millet des bois, Millet diffus, Mil, Millet sauvage, Millet étalé, Lillet étalé
De: Flattergras, Waldhirse
It: Miglio selvatico
Se: Healvasuoidni, Elvesuoidni, Helvesuoidni
No: Lukt-hirs
Sv: Hässlebrodd
Cy: Miled, Miled Wellt, Miledwellt, Miledwellt Cyffredin, Miledwellt y Coed

Synonyms

• Agrostis effusa ((L.) Lam.)
• Milium dubium (Jacquem. ex Hook.f.)
• Milium effusum var. coloratum (Blytt)
• Alopecurus effusus (Link ex Kunth)
• Melica effusa ((L.) Salisb.)
• Milium effusum subsp. confertum ((L.) K.Richt.)
• Milium effusum var. variegatum (Ducommun)
• Milium effusum var. elatius (Gaudin)
• Milium transsilvanicum var. lerchenfeldianum (Schur)
• Milium effusum var. subacaule (J.T.Jansen & Wacht.)
• Milium effusum var. confertum (Clairv.)
• Milium effusum f. violaceum (Holler ex Neuman)
• Milium effusum subsp. cisatlanticum ((Fernald) A.Haines)
• Milium confertum (L.)
• Milium nepalense (Nees)
• Milium effusum var. alpicola ((Chrtek) Soó)
• Milium effusum f. lerchenfeldianum ((Schur) Morariu)
• Milium transsilvanicum (Schur)
• Milium effusum var. violaceum (Hegi)
• Milium effusum subsp. alpicola (Chrtek)
• Milium effusum var. cisatlanticum (Fernald)
• Milium effusum var. latifrons (Podp.)
• Milium alpicola ((Chrtek) Landolt)
• Milium adscendens (Roxb.)
• Decandolia effusa ((L.) T.Bastard)
• Miliarium effusum ((L.) Moench)
• Milium willdenowii (Lojac.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Québec (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Adrian Macura (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2020 by Felix Ankenbrand (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 16, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Michel Gaubert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2020 by Felix Ankenbrand (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2020 by Felix Ankenbrand (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 2, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2022 by Tim Behrens (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 2, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by astrobio . exe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by astrobio . exe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Gérard LEVESLIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 30, 1851 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 1993 by Tela Botanica − Laurent PETIT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2706196)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:408599-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Milium effusum L.)

Specifications

Growth