SafePlants

Buffalograss: A Native North American Prairie Grass

Buffalograss, scientifically known as Bouteloua dactyloides, is a resilient and attractive grass native to the North American prairies. Its hardiness and low-maintenance qualities make it a popular choice for lawns and turf areas.

Considerations for Pets

• Some sources mention that buffalograss has curly leaves.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Bouteloua dactyloides
• Common Names: Buffalograss, Buffalo Grass
• Synonyms: Buchloe dactyloides (This alternative name is mentioned as being used by the USDA PLANTS database.)
• Plant Symbol: BODA2 (as per USDA NRCS)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
• Found throughout the Great Plains, from Minnesota to Montana.
• Common in native lawns in Texas.
• Grows mostly in the North American prairies.

Ecological Role

• It was the principal forage grass for the American bison.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial, warm-season grass.
• Sod-forming grass that spreads by stolons (aboveground stems).
• Fine-textured.
• Short growing, typically grows 3-12 inches if left unmowed.
• Gray-green in color (though selection for greener cultivars is underway).
• Curly leaves.

Quirky Facts

• Fossils discovered in Kansas show that buffalograss existed in that region at least 7 million years ago.
• Legacy Buffalograss is a second generation turf-type seedless variety, developed by the University of Nebraska, came to market in 2000.

Cultivars and Varieties

• Legacy Buffalograss (turf-type, seedless).
• UC Verde Buffalograss (bred by UC researchers).
• Cody Buffalograss.
• Bowie Buffalo grass.
• Buffalo Supreme grass seed (blend of Bowie and Cody).
• Prestige Buffalograss.

Further Information

• Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service: MF658, Buffalograss Lawns.
• USDA PLANTS database
• Native American Seed
• Sharp Bro. Seed Co.