Buffalograss

Bouteloua dactyloides

boo-KLOH-ee dak-ty-LO-id-eez
about 4 in. in height
6 to 24 in., spreads by stolons to fill in an area
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very low

negligible

August

about 4 in. in height

6 to 24 in., spreads by stolons to fill in an area

Yes

central plains of North America

sun

USDA zones 3-11

hardy to 7,000 ft.

A warm season grass native to the Great Plains, buffalograss is a good option for a water-conserving lawn. It is a fine textured, uniform grass with blades that are medium green in color. It is dormant from October to early May, when its blades are light tan.

Buffalograss has a more uniform appearance and green color than blue grama and grows best in areas below 6,800 feet in elevation. 

It uses one-third of the water that a traditional Kentucky bluegrass lawn uses. It tolerates heat, drought and a wide range of soil types, growing best in clay soils. It is not suited shaded areas, sandy soils, or elevations above 6,800 feet with short, cool summers.

very low

negligible

August

about 4 in. in height

6 to 24 in., spreads by stolons to fill in an area

Yes

central plains of North America

sun

USDA zones 3-11

hardy to 7,000 ft.

There are two areas of buffalograss at the Xeriscape Garden. In one area, it is mixed with blue grama grass and has a less uniform, naturalistic look. In the other area, it is planted by itself (Prestige cultivar) and has a much more uniform, lawn-like appearance.

Buffalograss can be seeded in mid-June to early July. Plugs of buffalograss may be planted in very late spring through summer. Fertilize in June. Can be mowed or left unmowed.