Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides)
What does it look like?
This was the grass of the Buffalo herds that once roamed the Great Plains, growing with low, narrow leaves in abundance. It is the only turfgrass truly native to North America.
How does it grow?
Buffalo grass spreads by stolons. It can be established by seed or sod. Buffalo grass has both male and female plants.
How does it rate for the average homeowner?
Buffalo grass is well-adapted to areas that do not receive rainfall, and it has remarkable tolerance for long droughts. Take note, however, that its turf is at best a low to medium quality. Excessive attempts to fertilize and water Buffalo grass, while well-intentioned, will actually cause encroachment of Bermuda grass. Buffalo grass goes dormant in the winter with cool temperatures. It does not grow well in the shade or respond well to heavy traffic, but it makes a perfect grass for homeowners wanting a native landscape.
In what kinds of climates / conditions does it flourish / languish?
Buffalo grass does best in climates with annual rainfall of 10-20 inches per year; it does not survive in areas where subfreezing temperatures are common. It is found in the plains from Mexico to Montana.
Does this kind of grass mix well with other grasses?
Buffalo grass should not be mixed with grasses, such as Bermuda grass, which aggressive as it is will be crowded out. It does mix well in native landscapes with wild flowers.
Unique qualities:
- Poor shade grass
- Will develop thatch in areas with no traffic
- Hybrid Bermuda grasses cannot be established by seed.
Recommended grass height, fertilizer rate, amount of water:
- Mowing ranges between 0.75-1.5 for hybrid Bermuda grass and 1.5-4.0 for common Bermuda grass.
- Fertilize with 4-6 lbs total Nitrogen applied per 1,000 square feet annually.
- Water 1-2 inches per week during summer months to keep actively growing.
