What Is Buffalo Grass? A Look at Its Benefits and Maintenance
What Is Buffalo Grass?
Buffalo grass is a perennial grass native to western North America.
It is a forage grass and is important in short-grass and mixed-grass prairies.
The grass forms a dense turf and thick sod, which was used by early settlers in construction.
Buffalo grass is drought-tolerant and has long roots, making it good for erosion control.
It spreads through horizontal, root-forming stems called stolons.
The plant produces male and female flowers separately, and the seeds are found in burlike fruits.
Buffalo grass is known for its extreme hardiness, drought tolerance, and soft texture.
However, it has poor appearance in cold months, lacks shade tolerance, and has moderate foot traffic tolerance.
Establishing a lawn of buffalo grass can take time, and it can be planted using seeding, plugs, or sod.
The cost of buffalo grass depends on the planting method, with seeding being the most affordable and sod being the most expensive.
Key Points:
- Buffalo grass is a native perennial grass in western North America.
- It is a forage grass important in short-grass and mixed-grass prairies.
- Buffalo grass forms a dense turf and thick sod, used in early construction.
- It is drought-tolerant and has long roots, making it good for erosion control.
- Buffalo grass spreads through horizontal stems called stolons and produces separate male and female flowers with seed in burlike fruits.
- Buffalo grass is known for its hardiness, drought tolerance, and soft texture, but has poor appearance in cold months, lacks shade tolerance, and has moderate foot traffic tolerance.
Did You Know?
1. Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a resilient type of grass that can withstand extreme droughts, making it a perfect choice for arid regions.
2. Contrary to popular belief, buffalo grass is not native to buffalo-populated areas. It is actually native to the shortgrass prairies of the central and southwestern United States.
3. Buffalo grass has an interesting characteristic: it remains dormant and can appear dead during periods of extreme heat or cold. However, once conditions improve, it quickly regains its green color.
4. This resilient grass species is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
5. Buffalo grass has historically been used as an effective erosion control method due to its extensive root system, which can reach up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) deep in the soil.
Introduction To Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a perennial grass native to western North America. It belongs to the Poaceae family, and is highly valued as a forage grass in the short-grass and mixed-grass prairies.
One of the standout features of buffalo grass is its ability to form a dense turf and thick sod. This characteristic made it a popular choice among early settlers who used it in construction projects. Furthermore, buffalo grass is prized for its adaptability and can thrive in various soil types and climates.
For homeowners seeking a natural and low-maintenance lawn, buffalo grass is an excellent option. It requires less water, fertilizer, and mowing compared to other grass varieties. With its resilient nature, buffalo grass can withstand heavy foot traffic and is able to recover quickly from damage.
buffalo grass is a versatile and desirable choice for those looking for a resilient, low-maintenance lawn. Its ability to form a dense turf, adaptability to different conditions, and minimal upkeep requirements make it an attractive option for homeowners.
Key Points:
- Buffalo grass is a perennial grass native to western North America.
- It is part of the Poaceae family.
- Buffalo grass is known for its ability to form a dense turf and thick sod.
- It is highly adaptable to various soil types and climates.
- Buffalo grass requires less water, fertilizer, and mowing than other grass varieties.
- It can withstand heavy foot traffic and recover quickly from damage.
Characteristics And Uses Of Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass typically measures less than 20 cm (8 inches) in height and boasts gray-green curly leaves. It primarily spreads through creeping stolons, which are horizontal stems that form roots as they grow along the ground. This grass is well-known for its impressive drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for areas with limited water availability. Moreover, its long roots make it an effective choice for erosion control* on hillside areas.
The male and female flowers of buffalo grass are borne separately, and the seeds are produced in burlike fruits. This grass is highly valued for its ability to attract wildlife, contributing to a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. Additionally, buffalo grass has a soft texture, providing a comfortable surface for outdoor activities.
Key points:
- Buffalo grass is typically less than 20 cm in height.
- It spreads through creeping stolons, which are horizontal stems that form roots.
- Buffalo grass is known for its impressive drought tolerance.
- Its long roots make it effective for erosion control on hillside areas.
- The male and female flowers are borne separately.
- Seeds are produced in burlike fruits.
- Buffalo grass attracts wildlife and contributes to a diverse ecosystem.
- It has a soft texture, suitable for outdoor activities.
Buffalo grass is a versatile and environmentally-friendly grass species with numerous benefits.
Methods Of Establishing Buffalo Grass
Establishing a buffalo grass lawn can be a time-consuming process, but the results are well worth the effort. There are various methods for establishing buffalo grass, including seeding, using plugs, or laying sod.
Seeding requires the most patience and effort, as it involves sowing the seeds when the soil temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit and keeping the soil consistently moist. Treated seeds are recommended for maximum germination.
Using plugs involves spacing them based on the desired rate of lawn filling. The spacing of plugs depends on how quickly homeowners want their lawn to fill in.
On the other hand, laying sod is the quickest method for establishing a buffalo grass lawn. It involves purchasing quality sod and placing it directly on the ground.
Maintenance And Care For Buffalo Grass
Once established, buffalo grass requires specific maintenance and care to thrive. It should be mowed higher than most grasses, around 5 inches in height. This allows for a healthier root system and better drought tolerance. Fertilizing buffalo grass twice a year with 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet is recommended to promote growth and maintain its lush appearance.
However, when it comes to weed control, caution is advised. Post-emergent herbicides can potentially damage buffalo grass. Therefore, it is essential to choose herbicides that specifically target common weeds without harming the buffalo grass itself. Regular watering and occasional overseeding can also help maintain its vibrant appearance.
Cost And Considerations Of Buffalo Grass
The cost of establishing buffalo grass varies depending on the chosen planting method. Seeding is the most affordable option, while sod is the most expensive. Seeding requires patience and diligent maintenance, but it can result in a healthy and beautiful lawn over time. On the other hand, using plugs allows for faster coverage, but it requires more investment upfront.
When considering costs, it is essential to note that buffalo grass is typically sold by the “pallet.” A quality buffalo grass cultivar can cost around $250 per pallet, covering approximately 450 square feet. Alternatively, purchasing plugs can be budget-friendly, with each plug costing around $1. Placing the plugs 12 inches apart in each direction would cover approximately 70 square feet. These factors should be taken into account when planning and budgeting for a buffalo grass lawn.
Buffalo grass is a versatile and hardy native grass that offers numerous benefits. Its ability to tolerate drought, attract wildlife, and require minimal mowing makes it an attractive option for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance lawn. While establishing and maintaining buffalo grass may require some effort and investment, the results are rewarding. The unique characteristics and eco-friendly nature of buffalo grass set it apart from other lawn grasses, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate its natural beauty and sustainable qualities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called buffalo grass?
Buffalograss earns its name from its crucial role in the history of American bison. Fossil evidence dating back 7 million years in Kansas traces the deep roots of this grass. It was the primary forage source for the American bison, which led to it being named buffalo grass. As bison roamed the Great Plains, they heavily relied on this resilient and nutritious grass, perfectly adapted to the harsh conditions of the North American prairies.
Why use buffalo grass?
Buffalo grass is an exceptional choice for lawns due to its unmatched adaptability and resilience. Its origin as a native Australian grass gives it a natural advantage in withstanding the country’s challenging environmental conditions. Not only does buffalo grass possess impressive drought tolerance, but it also showcases an exceptional ability to endure colder climates, surpassing other warm-season grasses. By utilizing buffalo grass, homeowners and landscapers can enjoy a durable and low-maintenance turf that thrives even in the harshest of conditions, making it an ideal choice for Australian lawns.
Is Buffalo a natural grass?
Yes, buffalograss is a natural grass that is native to the North American Plains. It is known for its ability to withstand drought and harsh conditions. However, buffalograss has some limitations such as low turf quality, low shade tolerance, and high seed and sod cost, which restrict its usage. Nevertheless, it remains an intriguing grass species due to its natural resilience and ability to thrive in challenging environments.
What is the process of buffalo grass?
To cultivate buffalo grass, one must first prepare the soil by clearing away any debris or weeds. Afterward, the soil needs to be tilled, loosened, and leveled using a garden rake or roller. To provide optimal conditions for growth, it is essential to water and fertilize the seed bed with a slow-release fertilizer. Once the soil is ready, the buffalo grass seed can be planted evenly across the area. This process ensures that the buffalo grass seed bed is prepared and nurtured for successful growth.