Buffalograss
(Bouteloua dactyloides)
Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides)
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Sam Kieschnick
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Sam Kieschnick
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Sam Kieschnick | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Sam Kieschnick | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2016-04-12T02:39:06-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Bouteloua dactyloides, commonly known as Buffalograss, is a deciduous perennial grass native to the Great Plains and prairie regions of Central North America, extending into Canada. It thrives in open grasslands, prairies, and plains, often in areas with calcareous soils. Buffalograss typically forms a low, dense turf reaching 2–5 inches in height, with a fine-textured, blue-green foliage that turns tan in the fall. It is a warm-season shortgrass that is highly drought-, heat-, and cold-resistant, making it well-suited to challenging climates.
Buffalograss is valued for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to form a dense sod through its numerous, branching stolons and fine roots, which help prevent soil erosion. It is often used in low-maintenance lawns, naturalized areas, and as a ground cover in xeriscaping due to its minimal water needs. It can also serve as forage for livestock. Flowering occurs from June to September, with male and female flowers on separate plants; the male flowers form a panicle, while the female flowers are burlike clusters. While it generally does best in full sun, it can tolerate light shade. It prefers well-drained soils and can establish in a range of soil types, from clay to sandy loams. Buffalograss can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases, and overwatering can lead to root rot. It is not suitable for high-traffic areas due to its slow recovery from wear.CC BY-SA 4.0
Buffalograss is valued for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to form a dense sod through its numerous, branching stolons and fine roots, which help prevent soil erosion. It is often used in low-maintenance lawns, naturalized areas, and as a ground cover in xeriscaping due to its minimal water needs. It can also serve as forage for livestock. Flowering occurs from June to September, with male and female flowers on separate plants; the male flowers form a panicle, while the female flowers are burlike clusters. While it generally does best in full sun, it can tolerate light shade. It prefers well-drained soils and can establish in a range of soil types, from clay to sandy loams. Buffalograss can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases, and overwatering can lead to root rot. It is not suitable for high-traffic areas due to its slow recovery from wear.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 0.3-0.8 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to the Great Plains and prairie regions of Central North America
Other Names
Common Names: Buffalo Grass , Büffelgras , Hierba Búfalo , Zacate Búfalo , Herbe Aux Bisons , Buchloé Faux-Dactyle , Bisongräs , Capim-Erva-De-Búfalo
Scientific Names: Bouteloua dactyloides , Buchloe dactyloides , Bulbilis dactyloides , Anthephora axilliflora , Bouteloua mutica , Sesleria dactyloides , Calanthera dactyloides , Casiostega dactyloides , Casiostega hookeri , Casiostega humilis
GBIF Accepted Name: Bouteloua dactyloides (Nutt.) Columbus