Buffalograss

A warm season grass native to the Great Plains, buffalograss is a good option for a water-conserving lawn. It is a fine textured, uniform grass with blades that are medium green in color. It is dormant from October to early May, when its blades are light tan.

Buffalograss has a more uniform appearance and green color than blue grama and grows best in areas below 6,800 feet in elevation. 

It uses one-third of the water that a traditional Kentucky bluegrass lawn uses. It tolerates heat, drought and a wide range of soil types, growing best in clay soils. It is not suited shaded areas, sandy soils, or elevations above 6,800 feet with short, cool summers.

Buffalograss

A warm season grass native to the Great Plains, buffalograss is a good option for a water-conserving lawn. It is a fine textured, uniform grass with blades that are medium green in color. It is dormant from October to early May, when its blades are light tan.

Buffalograss has a more uniform appearance and green color than blue grama and grows best in areas below 6,800 feet in elevation. 

It uses one-third of the water that a traditional Kentucky bluegrass lawn uses. It tolerates heat, drought and a wide range of soil types, growing best in clay soils. It is not suited shaded areas, sandy soils, or elevations above 6,800 feet with short, cool summers.

Plant details
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Botanic Name

Bouteloua dactyloides

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Pronunciation

boo-KLOH-ee dak-ty-LO-id-eez

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Mature Height

about 4 in. in height

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Mature Spread

6 to 24 in., spreads by stolons to fill in an area

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Water usage
Water Usage

One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.

Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.

Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.

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Flower Color

negligible

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Bloom time

August

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Colorado Native

Yes

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Natural Habitat

central plains of North America

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Light Requirements

sun

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Cold Hardiness

USDA zones 3-11

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Elevation Limit

hardy to 7,000 ft.

See in a landscape

CO Native Buffalograss
CO Native Buffalograss
Buffalograss Front Yard
Buffalograss Front Yard
Water Wise Neighborhood
Water Wise Neighborhood

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