A short 5–8-inch height, sod-forming, perennial, warm-season grass that lives on little as 12 inches of water per year. Spreads by seed and surface runners or stolons. Buffalograss has no natural diseases or pests, does not respond to fertilizer, and withstands extreme heat or cold. During extreme dry periods, it will go dormant until enough moisture is available — where she then quickly turns green again. Offers highly desirable resilient traits for urban areas, especially when water restrictions are enforced. Leaf color ranges from a green to blue-green during times of adequate moisture to a pale yellow or straw color when dormant.
Buffalograss is recognized as a full sun alternative to Bermuda grass and other high-maintenance, resource-thirsty turf lawns. It is one of our top recommendations for conservation-minded homeowners who want lawn grass for their sunny site. (See also Native Sun Turf and Thunder Turf in our Grass Mixes section – and feel free to call our knowledgeable customer service folks if you’re not sure what might work best for you.)
The Natives are Friendly
Grows west of the Mississippi to the eastern foothills of Rocky Mountains. From way up north in Saskatchewan Canada, Minnesota and Montana, all the way down the Great Plains south to San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
Buffalograss thrives in nearly all types of heavier soils. But does not like more than 2’ deep sand, unless underlain by a heavier clay-type subsoil. Tolerates being inundated for short periods of 2-3 days but not suited in areas that remain excessively soggy for extended periods of time. While loamy clay soils are best, also performs great in gumbo, red or black clays. Buffalo will establish even in caliche limestone soils.
Best to germinate in warm spring soils, any time after 10 consecutive nights above 55*F temperatures. For later plantings, be sure planting time allows for 60-75 days before first frost. Sprouting occurs after a good soaking rain of 1” inch or more. If irrigating, give good soaking, then keep surface moist with frequent shallow waterings until leaf blades are visible. 3-5 leaf blades at 2” inch height will have roots already reaching up to 2 feet deep. Mature established buffalograss roots grow down to 8 feet deep, their secret to resiliency.
People learn 2 important factors needed to establish a Buffalograss turf lawn: patience and perseverance. Some years with only natural rainfall, it may take a while to make a dense turf. The wait is more than worth it. Heavier seeding rates will fill in faster. With good seasonal rains or consistent irrigation, a full stand can be established in 90 days. Once established, buffalo requires little or no watering, no applications of chemicals, and little or no mowing with its low 5-8 inch height. We like to mow our buffalograss once a year in late February to stimulate fresh spring growth.
Buffalograss is deeply interwoven into American history. Starting with fossil remnants found in Kansas dating back 7 million years ago. It once was, and is now again, the principal forage grass for the American bison, hence the name. Cattle and bison will fatten in winter on grazing dormant, dry, standing buffalograss. Holds nutritional value better than modern day coastal bermuda hay. Early settlers made use of Buffalograss for building their sod homes, while historic longhorn cattle grazed it on their way up the Chisholm Trail. This warm season perennial is an important part of the imperiled short grass prairie ecosystem.