Buffalograss

(Updated: Aug. 22, 2022, 10:29 a.m. By: Bethany Geiger)

Description

Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a low-growing, perennial, warm-season turfgrass native to the Great Plains of the United States. It is not planted in widespread areas in the Carolinas. Buffalograss is drought tolerant, and requires little fertilization. It is not adapted to shaded or heavily traveled sites.

Species Data

  • SEEDHEAD / FLOWER
    • spike
  • VERNATION TYPE
    • rolled
  • LIGULE TYPE
  • GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
    • warm season turf or perennial weed
  • AURICLE TYPE
    • absent
  • LEAF BLADE TIP SHAPE
    • sharp-pointed; flat, sparsely hairy, bluish-gray
  • LEAF BLADE WIDTH
    • 0.04 - 0.12 inches (1 - 3 mm) wide
  • STOLON PRESENCE
  • RHIZOME PRESENCE
    • absent
  • COLLAR TYPE
  • SHEATH MARGIN
    • open
broad view of Buffalograss next to ruler
Figure 1. Buffalograss ligule.
close-up view of Buffalograss ligule
Figure 2. Buffalograss ligule.
photo of stolon connecting two sprouts of Buffalograss.
Figure 3. Buffalograss stolon.
thin hairlike pieces where the Buffalograss leaf meets the stem
Figure 4. Buffalograss hairy collar.
additional photo of Buffalograss collar
Figure 5. Buffalograss collar type.

This Extension publication can also be viewed at: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/buffalograss