The tallest recorded plant reached 14 meters (46 feet) in height. The corn stalk consists of 20 internodes 18 cm (7 in) long. The leaves grow from the internodes alternately and are entire-edged.
The tip of the plant ends in a male inflorescence. When it is mature, the anthers burst, and anemophilous (spread by the wind) pollen is released. Female inflorescences are set on shortened lateral stems that form flasks.
The fruit is a cob with a shape and color depending on the variety (from white, through yellow, orange, brown, to dark purple).
