grassN. America Native

Buffalograss

The Story

Plant Bio

Bouteloua dactyloides is a low-growing, warm-season perennial grass native to the shortgrass prairies of central North America. It spreads aggressively via stolons to form a dense, fine-textured sod mat that turns from grey-green to straw-colored during winter dormancy.

This dioecious species bears male and female flowers on separate plants, with male plants displaying small, comb-like spikes above the foliage and female plants hiding bur-like seed clusters deep within the leaves. Its exceptional drought tolerance and low growth habit make it a highly effective, low-input alternative to traditional turfgrasses.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a soft, fine-textured, blue-green carpet that transitions to a warm tan color in winter.

Functions as an exceptionally drought-tolerant, low-maintenance lawn alternative that requires minimal mowing.

Provides critical forage for native herbivores and serves as a larval host plant for the Green Skipper butterfly.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

12"

Width

12"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-drained soil, as this species is highly intolerant of shade and waterlogged conditions.
Clear the planting area completely of existing weeds and cool-season grasses to eliminate competition during establishment.
Plant vegetative plugs spaced 6 to 12 inches apart, or press sod slabs firmly against loosened soil in late spring or early summer.
Water lightly and frequently for the first two to three weeks until roots establish, then rapidly transition to infrequent, deep watering.

Pro Tip

Avoid over-watering and excessive nitrogen fertilization, as high moisture and nutrient levels trigger fungal rot and invite weed encroachment.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Mow infrequently, leaving the grass at its natural height of 4 to 12 inches or cutting to 2 to 3 inches every few weeks.
Allow the turf to go dormant and turn tan during dry spells, as it will recover quickly when moisture returns.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot and turf decline.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen, which weakens the grass and encourages weed invasion.
Do not plant in heavily shaded areas or under dense tree canopies where the grass will thin out and die.
Do not irrigate during periods of high rainfall or allow water to pool on the turf.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Low-maintenance lawnsErosion control on slopesNative prairie restorationsWater-wise groundcover

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Schizachyrium scoparium Symphyotrichum oblongifolium Rudbeckia hirta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Buffalograss questions

What zones can Buffalograss grow in?

Buffalograss is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Buffalograss deer resistant?

Yes — Buffalograss is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Buffalograss bloom?

Buffalograss typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Buffalograss need full sun?

Buffalograss does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Buffalograss drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Buffalograss handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.