Information About Buffalo Grass

Buffalo grass is common to many North American lawns.

Buffalo grass--technically called Buchloe dactyloides or Bouteloua dactyloides--is a light, gray-green or blue-green, long-lasting turf grass, according to the University of Texas-Austin Native Plant Database.

Geography

Buffalo grass grows naturally in the Midwest, usually from Montana all the way to Mexico, according to Richard L. Duble of Texas A&M University.

Fun Fact

Buffalo grass evolved into its current state around 7 million years ago. This type of grass is the only suitable lawn grass inherent to North America.

Features

Members of the buffalo grass family are highly tolerant of low-precipitation weather--meaning low maintenance, hence the preference of many homeowners for this grass. Buffalo grass typically reaches 3 to 12 inches in height when left untended.

Warning

People should not plant buffalo grass on areas that are expected to receive heavy use. In addition, more rapacious grasses, such as Bermuda grass, will replace buffalo grass if the gardener performs too much maintenance on buffalo grass.

Tips

People considering this type of grass for their lawn should plant seeds no later than late spring or early summer. Those who choose to use sod or pre-grown plugs may plant them as late as August or early September.

References

• University of Texas-Austin Native Plant Database: Buffalo Grass
• Texas A&M University: Buffalo Grass
• University of Missouri-Extension: Establishment and Care of Buffalo Grass Lawns