Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides): The Native, Drought-Tolerant Turf of the Great Plains

Buffalograss, Bouteloua dactyloides (syn. Buchloe dactyloides), is a warm-season, perennial grass native to the North American Great Plains. It is the only native grass widely used as a low-maintenance turf in the U.S.

Adapted to Extremes

This grass forms a dense, fine-textured, gray-green sod by stolons. It is dioecious (separate male and female plants). Female plants are low and inconspicuous; male plants produce comb-like seed heads on short stalks. It thrives on 15–30 inches of annual rainfall, goes dormant in drought, and greens up with rain. It requires minimal mowing, fertilizing, or watering once established.

Modern Cultivars

Improved cultivars (e.g., 'Legacy', 'Prestige', 'UC Verde') are selected for denser growth, greener color, and reduced pollen. Buffalograss is ideal for low-input lawns, erosion control, and native prairie restorations in its native range.