Buffalograss

**Drought Resilience:** As a native shortgrass prairie species, buffalograss excels in droughty, low-fertility soils. It naturally thrives on 15–30″ of rain. During dry spells it dies back and stores reserves in its deep root system (extending 4–6′ deep), recovering quickly with rain. This makes it ideal for dryland ranching where water is scarce.

**Grazing Tolerance:** Buffalograss is extremely resistant to heavy grazing and trampling. It often increases its proportion in a pasture under grazing. Livestock of all kinds consume it eagerly – it stays green late into fall, and its nutrition remains high even when cured. Rotational or conservative continuous grazing allows buffalograss to recover and accumulate energy in its reserves, sustaining productivity.

**Erosion Control & Soil Health:** Forming a dense, mat-like turf, buffalograss is a powerful ally against erosion. Its abundance of fine roots binds soil particles, preventing wind and water erosion on plains and slopes. This dense sod also suppresses weeds and traps organic matter, improving soil health on ranchlands or reclamation projects.

**Wildlife Habitat:** Being a native grass, buffalograss supports prairie ecosystems. It provides forage and cover for deer, pronghorn, bison and ground-nesting birds. Its seedheads and leaf litter feed grasshoppers and butterflies (e.g., the green skipper). Including buffalograss in a pasture or restoration mix helps recreate native habitat and benefits biodiversity.

**Ornamental & Landscape Appeal:** Buffalograss has a soft blue-green hue and a fine texture that looks attractive as a “prairie lawn.” It stays lower (often 2–4″ with mowing) than traditional turf, which reduces mowing frequency. In summer it forms a uniform turf without much input. Though it goes dormant and tan in winter, its low profile pairs well with wildflower plantings or informal “no-mow” landscapes seeking a native look.

**Native Restoration & Mixing:** A keystone shortgrass species, buffalograss is ideal in native mix seedings. Its short stature allows co-planted wildflowers (purple coneflower, asters, milkweeds, etc.) to flourish without competition. It is often included in pollinator and prairie restoration mixes, helping establish sustainable rangelands that resemble historic Great Plains prairie.