Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
Maize

How to identify Maize (Zea mays)

Maize, also known as Indian corn, Flint corn

Maize is a robust annual plant towering with a sturdy, erect stem that can reach over 6 feet (183 cm) in height. Each plant has a fibrous root system and can develop multiple strong, long leaves that are lanceolate in shape, with a characteristic waxy surface and parallel venation. As the stalk matures, it produces large inflorescences, with the unique feature of separate male and female flowers, known as tassels and ears, respectively. The ears are sheathed in a thick layer of modified leaves called husks, which encase the kernels.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Annual, Biennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Grass

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Maize

1

Distinct sexual dimorphism in flowers with tassels and ears

2

Kernels in various colors (yellow, white, red, and blue)

3

Large lanceolate leaves with waxy surface and parallel venation

4

Robust annual plant with erect stem, reaching over 6 feet (183 cm)

5

Harvestable maturity within 70-200 days post-planting, depending on cultivar

MaizeMaizeMaizeMaizeMaize

Detailed Traits of Maize

Leaf Features

The leaves of maize are large, ranging from 1 to 5 feet (0.3 to 1.5 meters) in length and 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) in width. They are linear to lanceolate in shape, with straight parallel sides or a lance-like form, and have a prominent midrib. Each stem produces 8 to 21 leaves that occur singly on alternating sides. The leaves are typically green, with a smooth texture and distinct vein pattern.

Leaf Base

Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
Group
Flower Features

The flowers of maize display distinct sexual dimorphism. The male flowers form a branched inflorescence called a panicle at the stem apex, featuring small, greenish tassels. The female flowers develop in the leaf axils as modified spike inflorescences, known as ears, with silk strands emerging from the husks. Each silk strand corresponds to a potential kernel. Blooming begins 20-30 days post-germination. The flowers, though not vividly colorful or notably scented, play a crucial role in the plant's reproductive process.

Maize Flower image
Learn About the Flower Glossary
Group
Fruit Features

The fruit of maize is a composition of individual caryopses, commonly referred to as kernels. Each kernel is encased within a hull and exhibits a rounded to oval shape with a pointed tip. Kernels display a range of colors including yellow, white, red, and blue, with a characteristic glossy appearance and a firm texture. Organized neatly in 4-30 rows, the kernels densely populate the cob's surface, which can vary widely in length. Harvestable maturity occurs within a span of 70-200 days post-planting and depends on the cultivar selected. The compact arrangement and variety of kernel colors are distinctive features aiding identification.

Maize Fruit image
Learn About the Fruit Glossary
Group
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them
Img topic
Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Img topic
Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Img topic
Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Img topic
Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Img topic
Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Img topic
Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Identify Maize easily and quickly
We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.
Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Maize

Attributes of Maize
Lifespan
Annual, Biennial
Plant Type
Grass
Plant Height
1 m to 4 m
Spread
30 cm to 60 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Variegated
Flower Size
10 cm to 25 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
Gold
Fruit Color
Yellow
Gold
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Maize

Family
Grass
Icon allow
Genus
Zea
Icon allow
Species
Maize (Zea mays)
Learn More About the Maize

Distribution Map of Maize

Maize (Zea mays) is native to most well-drained meadows in Mexico and Guatemala, but this vital food crop has been introduced to most countries on Earth.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app