Buffalo Grass

Buchloë dactyloides

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Lawn & Blends

Plant Family: Poaceae

Plant Description: Very hardy warm-season perennial shortgrass. Native to North American prairies. Light green grass blades turning tan to lavender when dormant. Spreads by stolons. Can be mowed and grown as a low water-use turfgrass. Fine blades are soft and will withstand considerable traffic. Grows best during the warmest part of the year (i.e. summer). Comes out of dormancy in early June and returns to dormancy in September. Left unmowed, the seed heads provide some interest. Will not tolerate high elevations, sandy soil, or shade.

Maintenance:

Maintenance Type: Lawn - Warm Season

Plant Care: Lawn - Warm Season (turf grasses that are adapted to hot summers, staying green all summer but with a longer winter dormancy): Mow regularly so that not more than 1/3rd is removed each time. Mow to 2-3" or not at all for a longer look. Provide adequate water, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize once in the fall and an optional second time in the spring. In compacted soils, aerate once a year with a clean aerator. Dethatching is not necessary. Most weeds can be controlled through maintaining a healthy and competitive lawn. Otherwise, use appropriate weed control methods including hand pulling and appropriate herbicide use including pre-emergent herbicides to help compete with early-spring weeds.

Plant Attributes:

Mature Size: 2-5" tall x 72" wide

Utah Native: Yes

Plant Select: No

Pollinator Friendly: Unknown

Localscapes: Central Open Shape

Foliage Interest: No

Foliage Colors: Green

Bloom Colors: Tan

Bloom Seasons: Summer

Bloom Period: Jun - Aug

Growing Conditions:

Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9

Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun)

Irrigation Requirement:

Low (1/2" every 10-14 days)

Salt Tolerant: Unknown

Deer Resistant: Yes

Garden Location:

Not on display
- Not on display

Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter