*Zea mays Linnaeus ssp. mays . Corn, Maize. Phen: (Mar-) Jun-Nov. Hab: Very commonly cultivated, rarely volunteering in old fields or around trashpiles, common in cultivation, rare as a short-lived escape. Dist: Native of Mexico. Zea is one of the most important cultivated plants in the world, originating in Mexico, probably from Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Iltis & Doebley.

Origin/Endemic status: Neotropics

Other Comments: It was initially cultivated in sw. Mexico (before 8000 BP), spreading to the sw. United States before 5000 BP, and to the e. United States by 2000 years BP. At the time of European contact, Zea mays ssp. mays was an important staple crop from s. Canada south to s. South America (Hancock 2004).

Synonymy: = Ar, ETx1, FlGr, FNA25, K1, K3, K4, Mo1, NE, NY, Va, WH3; = n/a – C, Pa, Tat; < Zea mays L. – Bah, F, HC, Il, Mi, NcTx, RAB, S, Tx

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Heliophily: 9