Buffalo Grass

Buffalo Grass (Bouteloua dactyloides)

Buffalo Grass is a drought-tolerant native warm-season grass ideal for sustainable lawns, meadows, and low-maintenance landscapes. Native to the Great Plains, this fine-textured, sod-forming grass thrives in full sun and poor soils, requiring little water or mowing once established. Bouteloua dactyloides is a cornerstone species for xeriscaping, prairie restoration, and regenerative grazing systems, offering both ecological and aesthetic benefits.

Key Characteristics

• Drought-Tolerant Native Lawn Alternative
  Buffalo Grass thrives in dry to medium-dry soils and full sun, making it a perfect replacement for thirsty conventional turf. Once established, it needs little to no irrigation, mowing, or fertilizer—ideal for water-wise landscapes and regenerative yards.

• Soft Texture and Fine Blue-Green Blades
  The fine, curly foliage forms a dense, cushion-like turf with a soft blue-green hue that turns golden tan in fall. It grows to 3–6 inches if unmowed but tolerates occasional mowing for a more formal look.

• Spreads by Stolons for Low-Growing Sod
  Buffalo Grass is a low-growing stoloniferous species, forming a weed-suppressing mat over time. It spreads slowly but steadily, offering groundcover without becoming invasive—great for native lawns or erosion control on sunny slopes.

• Supports Grassland Biodiversity
  As a native prairie species, Buffalo Grass supports insect habitat, including ground-nesting native bees and overwintering beneficial insects. Its structure and low water use make it compatible with prairie wildflower mixes and wildlife-supportive plantings.

• Ideal for Meadows, Grazing, and Restoration
  It plays a key role in prairie restorations, silvopasture designs, and grazing systems for cattle, bison, or sheep. It’s also valuable for establishing pollinator-friendly lawns and low-input forage zones in permaculture settings.

Product Details

• Native range: Central and western North America (Great Plains)

• Plant life cycle: Perennial warm-season grass

• Sun requirements: Full sun

• Soil requirements: Dry to medium-dry, well-drained; tolerates clay and sandy soils

• Mature height: 3–6 inches (up to 12" with seedheads)

• Bloom time: June–August

• Bloom color: Light green with purplish-tan male spikelets on taller stems

• USDA Hardiness zones: 4–9

Buffalo Grass is a resilient, eco-friendly groundcover for those seeking beauty, biodiversity, and resource efficiency. Whether you’re creating a native lawn, restoring prairie, or designing a low-input grazing system, this grass delivers.