Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) gets its name because it was a staple food source for the thunderous herds of buffalo that once roamed the interior of the North American continent. People are increasingly digging up their old lawns and replacing turf with buffalo grass because of the minimal maintenance requirements. You only have to cut this type of grass occasionally.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Bouteloua dactyloides, commonly known as buffalograss or buffalo grass, is a North American prairie grass native to Canada, Mexico, and the United States. It is a short grass found mainly on the High Plains and is co-dominant with blue grama (B. gracilis) over most of the shortgrass prairie. Buffalo grass in North America is not the same species of grass commonly known as “buffalo” in Australia.
The genus name comes from the family name of the 19th-century Spanish botanists Claudio and Esteban Boutelou. The species name, dactyloides, is from Latin meaning resembling fingers.
It is known both as “buffalograss” and “buffalo grass”, though buffalo grass is also used as a common name for St. Augustine grass in Australia, as an alternate name of Cenchrus ciliaris and Panicum stapfianum in South Africa, and one of the names of Paspalum conjugatum in Singapore. It is also occasionally called “gamagrass”.
Bouteloua dactyloides is a perennial plant that spreads by stolons (runners). A plant may extend stolons outward to reach a length of 15 to 45 centimeters (6 to 18 in) by the end of a growing season. In ideal experimental conditions stolons may grow as much as 5.71 centimeters (2.25 in) per day. When blooming or going to seed it has short, upright stalks (clums) that may be anywhere from 1–30 centimeters tall.
Buffalograss is a sod forming species usually forming a solid and tight mat of plants. Roots are also numerous and thoroughly occupy the soil. The roots of buffalograss are significantly finer than those of most plains grasses, with a thickness of less than 1 mm (0.039 in). Despite their narrow diameter they are quite tough and wire-like. Though the roots may reach depths of 1.2 to 1.8 meters (4 to 6 ft) 70% of their mass is in the top 15 centimeters (6 in) of the soil and 81% in the top 30 centimeters (12 in). The main roots grow almost directly downward with only very short side roots and very little or no branching. Plants also produce surface roots that grow horizontally to a distance of 24 to 36 centimeters (9 to 14 in) from the plant.
The leaf blades of buffalograss are quite narrow, soft, somewhat curly, hairy on both sides, and usually gray-green in color. Each is 2–15 centimeters (1–6 in) long while being just 1.0–2.5 millimeters wide.
Buffalograss usually produces pollen or seeds on separate plants and because it reproduces by stolons large patches of just one sex may form. The seed producing flower stalks are much shorter than the pollen producing flower stalks, with the seed heads usually at the same level as the grass blades. The seed producing inflorescences are very modified compared with other grasses including the other grasses in the Bouteloua genus, looking like a round globe topped with short spikes, appropriately called a spikelet, with three to seven spikelets per bur. When ripe the seeds are contained within a hard, round diaspore of between 3–4 millimeters in size.
Unlike Kentucky bluegrass, buffalograss is a warm-season grass, a group of grasses that grows better at temperatures above 15 °C (59 °F). As a warm season grass it becomes green late in the spring and dries out early in the fall. The dried leaves and inflorescence stalks persist through the dormant period, turning a light golden color.
The haploid chromosome number for buffalograss is 10 and the species may be diploid (2n=20), tetraploid (4n=40), or hexaploid (6n=60). The diploid and tetraploid plants are more often found in the southern parts of its range while hexaploids are more often found in the north.
Fire was an essential part of the prairie ecosystem and buffalograss has many adaptations to survive or take advantage of fires. Warm season grasses can catch fire in all seasons, including winter and early spring.
II. How to Grow and Care
Buffalo grass is recognized for its resilience and low maintenance, making it an easy grass to care for in suitable environments. Primarily, buffalo grass requires full sun exposure and tolerates drought, reducing the need for frequent watering. Special care points for buffalo grass include minimal fertilization and the importance of periodic dethatching to maintain lawn health and vigor. Additionally, its tolerance to foot traffic and pest resistance contributes to its easy care profile.
Sunlight
Buffalo grass thrives in full sun exposure, where it receives direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day, which is pivotal for its robust growth and health. With a tolerance for partial sun, buffalo grass can still perform reasonably well in slightly shaded conditions, albeit with potential reductions in growth vigor and density. Adaptable in nature, buffalo grass may exhibit adaptive traits, such as adjusting leaf orientation, to maximize light absorption under suboptimal light conditions.
Buffalo grass is predominantly an outdoor plant, favoring open areas that provide ample sunlight, and is not typically cultivated indoors. Proper placement in landscapes, with consideration for unobstructed sunlight, is essential to foster its ideal development.
Watering
Thriving in the prairies of North America, buffalo grass is well-adapted to periods of drought, reflecting its native arid conditions. This grass maintains a balance between moisture retention and tolerance to dry spells. For optimal growth, buffalo grass requires watering twice a week, which aligns with its moderate need for hydration. Predominantly an outdoor plant, buffalo grass flourishes in environments where it can mimic the natural ebb and flow of rain typical to its native climate zones.
Fertilizing
For buffalo grass, use balanced nutrition fertilizers, as they promote vigorous growth and resilience. Apply in early spring and midsummer, measuring 1 pound per 1,000 square feet for optimal lawn health. Over-fertilization risks damage; hence, precision is key. Vary amounts with growth stages—less for established lawns, more for new growth. Follow label instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness. Novice or expert, consistent care results in a lush, robust buffalo grass.
Propagation
Buffalo grass is a hardy, sod-forming perennial known for its resilience and ability to thrive in tough conditions. Propagation is typically achieved through sowing, with emphasis on using quality seeds for uniform growth. For successful establishment, care should be taken to prepare a fine, firm seedbed, ensuring seeds are sown at the recommended depth for optimal germination. Regular watering just until establishment is crucial since proper moisture encourages healthy root development without promoting weed competition.
Transplanting
Transplant buffalo grass in the warmth of late spring to early summer for root establishment. Choose sunny locations with well-draining soil. Ensure space to spread, fostering a lush, hardy turf.
