Buffalograss
Bouteloua dactyloides · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Native Prairie, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Native/Common variety
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-9; high heat tolerance; excellent cold tolerance for a warm-season grass; goes dormant (tan/brown) after first hard frost.
About This Grass
A low-growing, fine-textured grass that forms a soft, gray-green carpet. It is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants. The male plants produce flag-like pollen heads on stalks, while females produce bur-like seeds hidden among the leaves.
Blade Characteristics
Fine width (<2mm), gray-green to blue-green color, flat or slightly rolled shape, pointed tips. Blades are usually sparsely hairy on both sides. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous roots (up to 5-8 feet), highly stoloniferous, low thatch tendency, slow to moderate establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
North American Great Plains (Canada to Mexico)
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous (spreading above ground via runners), forming a dense sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very low water needs; exceptional drought tolerance; prefers well-drained clay or loamy soils with pH 6.0-8.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 2-4 inches (or unmowed for meadow look); low frequency; 0.5-2 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; very low maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional drought resistance, low fertility requirements, high salt tolerance, poor shade tolerance, and excellent ability to crowd out weeds once established.
Ecological Information
Native to North America; provides forage for livestock and wildlife; nesting material for birds; larval host for several butterfly species; high soil stabilization value.