Buffalograss
Bouteloua dactyloides (formerly Buchloe dactyloides) · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Native Prairie Grass / Low-Maintenance Turf
Variety / Cultivar
Common/Wild-type (highly drought stressed/dormant)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3-9; excellent cold and heat tolerance. Enters early dormancy (tan color) in fall or during extreme water stress.
About This Grass
A low-growing, fine-textured native grass that turns straw-colored to tan during winter or severe drought. When green, it is grayish-green. It typically reaches only 4-6 inches if unmowed and is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are on separate plants.
Blade Characteristics
Fine blades (<2mm), flat or slightly curled, with a pointed tip. Color is currently straw-tan due to dormancy/stress but naturally grayish-green. Vernation is rolled; ligule is a ring of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deeply fibrous (up to 5-6 feet deep), providing excellent drought resistance. It forms a dense sod and has low thatch accumulation compared to other warm-season grasses.
Growing Information
Origin Region
North American Great Plains; well-adapted from Canada to Mexico
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous; spreads via above-ground runners to form a dense, low-growing sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6+ hours); very low water needs once established. Highly drought tolerant. Prefers well-drained heavy soils; dislikes sandy or overly wet soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2-4 inches; infrequent mowing (once every 2-4 weeks or left unmowed). Low fertilization (1-2 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Low maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Extreme drought tolerance and cold hardiness for a warm-season grass. Poor shade tolerance but high salt tolerance. Slow to establish from seed but very sustainable once mature.
Ecological Information
Native to North America; provides critical nesting material and cover for prairie wildlife. Highly effective for soil erosion control on dry slopes. Excellent companion for Blue Grama in native mixes.