How to Grow Buffalo Grass
Wikimedia Commons
Buffalo Grass
Bouteloua dactyloides
grassBuffalo grass is a warm-season native grass of the North American Great Plains, highly valued for its drought tolerance and low-maintenance characteristics. It forms dense, fine-textured turf that requires minimal water, fertilizer, and mowing once established. This perennial bunchgrass is an excellent ecological alternative to traditional lawn grasses in arid and semi-arid regions.
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Example Buffalo Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Buffalo Grass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Buffalo Grass
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Buffalo Grass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Ideally zones 4-8; tolerates zones 3-9 with appropriate cultivar selection
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Germination
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with fine, hair-like cotyledons; extremely fragile and small.
Keep soil consistently moist (not waterlogged); prevent foot traffic; provide full sun. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days at temperatures of 70-80°F.
Seedling/Juvenile
3-4 weeksGrass develops 2-4 true leaves; roots establish deeper into soil; plants remain small and sparse.
Maintain consistent moisture; reduce watering frequency gradually as roots deepen. Avoid herbicides during this stage. Keep areas weed-free through manual removal.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 weeksPlants develop more tillers (shoots) and create denser coverage; root system becomes more extensive and drought-resistant.
Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Begin light traffic once coverage reaches 50%. Minimal fertilizer needed; nitrogen application may slow establishment in some cases.
Maturation/Establishment
3-6 months from plantingDense turf forms; plants spread via rhizomes (underground stems); established root system provides superior drought tolerance.
Reduce watering to natural rainfall levels. Mow to 2-3 inches; buffalo grass thrives with less frequent mowing than traditional turf. Can handle moderate to heavy foot traffic.
Flowering
6-8 weeksDistinctive flag-like seed heads (curled or Y-shaped) emerge on short stalks, typically 6-12 inches tall; flowers appear in mid to late summer.
Allow flowering for seed production if desired; flowering indicates plant maturity and vigor. Seed heads can be left standing for wildlife food or removed if preferred for aesthetic reasons.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for yellowing patches; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; select resistant cultivars like 'Prestige' or 'Tatanka'
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Hand-pick affected areas; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if severe; maintain healthy turf density for natural suppression
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Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators; avoid over-fertilizing which increases susceptibility
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Ensure adequate watering during hot, dry periods; spray with water to dislodge; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer
Uses
Low-maintenance turf for xeriscaping
HouseholdBuffalo grass requires significantly less water, fertilizer, and mowing than traditional lawn grasses, making it ideal for water-conservation landscaping and reducing maintenance labor. [source]
Native prairie restoration and wildlife habitat
WildlifeAs a native Great Plains species, buffalo grass supports native insects, birds, and small mammals, and plays a crucial ecological role in grassland habitat restoration projects. [source]
Livestock forage and pasture
CulinaryHistorically grazed by bison and cattle, buffalo grass provides nutritious forage for livestock and has excellent palatability for grazing animals. [source]
Carbon sequestration and soil health
EcologicalDeep-rooted prairie grasses like buffalo grass store significant carbon in their extensive root systems and help build soil structure and organic matter over time. [source]
Erosion control and slope stabilization
HouseholdBuffalo grass's strong, deep root system effectively prevents soil erosion on slopes and in areas subject to water runoff. [source]
Harvest Tips
Buffalo grass is not harvested in the traditional sense. For seed collection, allow flowering culms to mature fully (late summer/early fall), then collect dried seed heads. Clip mature seed heads just below the flowering portion and dry for 1-2 weeks before threshing to separate seeds. For sod harvesting on established lawns (after 2+ years), cut sod into 1-2 inch thick sections with a sod cutter.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Buffalo grass was historically grazed by millions of American bison across the Great Plains; the species evolved to withstand heavy grazing and drought conditions that killed competing grasses.
- 🌱 The common name 'buffalo grass' is somewhat of a misnomer—the plant is technically a grama grass, not a true buffalo grass (Bouteloua gracilis is the actual 'blue grama'). Despite this, the name has stuck due to its historical association with buffalo grazing.
- 🌱 Buffalo grass can remain dormant and viable in soil for years, making it a remarkably resilient species; seeds can survive harsh winters and germinate when conditions are favorable.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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