Maize
A wind-pollinated grass crop with male and female inflorescences in different positions on the same plant.
- Scientific name
- Zea mays
- Family
- Poaceae
- Other names
- Corn
- Reviewed
A reference photograph of maize. Size and ear appearance can vary with cultivated form and growth stage.
Photo credit: High Contrast
License: CC BY 3.0 de
The photograph was resized and converted to JPEG.
Names and classification
Maize is an annual crop in the grass family. This entry covers Zea mays, taking differences among cultivated forms such as sweet corn and waxy maize into account separately.
Observable features
Long, broad leaves alternate along an upright stem, with a male tassel at the top. Silks emerging from the female ears in leaf axils connect to individual flowers that may develop into kernels.
Distribution and habitat
Domesticated in the Americas, it is cultivated around the world. It needs a warm growing season, and suitable sowing times depend on frost, soil temperature and the cultivated form.
Ecology and life cycle
Wind carries pollen from male flowers to the silks of female flowers. Conditions for receiving pollen influence kernel formation, so observe plant arrangement together with flowering time.
Cultivation and care
It needs sunlight, well-drained soil, and water and nutrients appropriate to its growth. In a vegetable garden, several short rows arranged together help wind pollination more than one long row.
Observation and use precautions
Pollen movement between cultivars can affect crop characteristics, so check the seed instructions. Do not confuse chemically treated planting seed with corn intended as food.