+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Mexican teosinte {#mexican-teosinte .Title-Header}                 |
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| *Zea mexicana* (Schrad.) Kuntze                                       |
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| Plant Symbol = ZEME                                                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Contributed by: USDA NRCS Florida Plant Materials Center and the
National Plant Data Center

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.676388888888889in"
height="4.010416666666667in"}

##### Alternate Names {#alternate-names .Header-3}

Teosinte, annual teosinte, *Euchlaena mexicana*

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

This species is used for wildlife, such as quail, dove, and turkey, food
and habitat. It is also suitable for silage or green chop feed.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Weediness {#weediness .Header-3}

This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and
may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please
consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service
office, or state natural resource or agriculture department regarding
its status and use. Weed information is also available from the PLANTS
Web site at plants.usda.gov.

##### Description and Adaptation {#description-and-adaptation .Header-3}

Grass Family (Poaceae). Mexican teosinte is an annual, warm-season grass
introduced from Mexico. It is similar to corn in general vegetative
appearance and stands 10 to 15 feet in height. It is coarse, branches at
the base, and the leaf blades are sword-shaped to 3 ¼ inches wide and 13
to 48 inches long. Clusters of slender "ears" (seed pods) are produced
in each of the 5 to 7 uppermost leaf axils. Each ear normally contains 3
to 8 very firm glossy seeds with a marking resembling an insect pupa on
the face.

It is adapted to fertile soils ranging from somewhat poorly to well
drained. It can grow wherever corn is grown. Approximately 165 to 170
frost free days are required from seeding to maturity.

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

The area to be planted should be plowed and thoroughly disked. The time
for planting in Florida is early June. If irrigation is available and
greater forage yield is desired, planting can be done in early April,
weather permitting. Fertilizer requirements are similar to that for most
grain crops. An application of N, P, and K should be based upon a soil
test. For row planting, the width of the rows should be approximately
the same as used for corn, placing the seed 1 to 2 inches deep. Use 8 to
10 pounds of seed per acre. For broadcast seeding, use 10 to 12 pounds
per acre followed by shallow disking for seed coverage. Shattered seed
will voluntarily germinate the following year. To encourage this
production, till the soil by moderate to thorough disking in early march
prior to germination.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

Increased stems may be obtained by cutting when the plant attains a
height of 3 to 4 feet. Additional or late cuttings will decrease seed
production.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

Contact your NRCS Service Center office for sources of this material.

##### Prepared By:  {#prepared-by .Header-3}

USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center, Brooksville, Florida

##### Species Coordinator:  {#species-coordinator .Header-3}

USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center, Brooksville, Florida

##### Edited: 29sep05 jsp; 060818 jsp {#edited-29sep05-jsp-060818-jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

*The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
TDD).*

*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*

*Read about [Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Convervation
Service](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civilrights/).*