Buffalo Grass Propagation

Buffalo grass once was the main staple of the American bison.

A warm-season perennial, buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) once grew native across the Great Plains from Canada to Mexico. The grass tolerates extreme drought and temperature fluctuations well. Its hardy adaptation has made it a turf grass choice.

Male and Female Significance

Buffalo grass plants are either male or female. The blooms of the male plant grow higher to help ensure pollination from insects and the blowing prairie wind. The male's blooms, known as flags, extend up 6 inches. The female's blooms are at ground level.

Seed Benefits

Each burr of the female grass produces a tiny seed, making harvest of the seeds difficult. The seedheads have the benefit of being located low to the ground to protect them from grazing animals. The wind helps to spread the seeds.

Spread Types

Buffalo grass spreads rapidly by seeds and through surface runners. The stolons of the plant form a dense mat, which was widely harvested by the early settlers for use in sod houses. The grass has no rhizomes and does not spread by underground roots.

References

• Texas A&M University: Buffalo Grass
• Missouri State University: Establishment and Care of Buffalograss Lawns
• University of Texas at Austin: Native Lawns Buffalograss
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Buffalo Grass

Resources

• American Lawns: Buffalo Grass