Collar of buffalograss
Overall plant structure of buffalograss
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Qualities
Buffalograss is a warm-season
grass species native to the North American Plains. Although buffalograss
is naturally one of the most drought-resistant grasses, its use is
currently limited by its long winter dormancy, relatively low turf
quality, low shade tolerance, and relatively high seed and sod cost. |
Identifying
tips
A fine-textured grayish-green grass. The
leaves are rolled in the bud, there are no auricles, and the ligule
is a fringe of hairs. The leaf blades are curled, or drooping, and
pointed. Buffalograss is a low-growing grass and spreads by stolons.
Maintenance
Very low maintenance. Buffalograss
can survive with very little fertilizer, water, and mowing. It is drought
resistant. If not irrigated, buffalograss will turn brown during the summer;
it will recover well once irrigation has resumed. It is very shade intolerant.
Many cultivars of this species can survive cold winter temperatures through
dormancy. Mowing before emergence from winter dormancy will remove brown,
dead foliage and hasten spring green-up.
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