Buffalograss

Product Overview

Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a warm-season, stoloniferous shortgrass prairie species native to North America. Exceptionally drought-resilient and grazing-tolerant, it forms dense, mat-like turf that supports wildlife, resists erosion, and offers a low-maintenance, natural landscape aesthetic.

• **Drought Resilience:** Deep roots penetrating 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m) allow dormancy during dry spells and swift recovery with rainfall; it thrives on just 15–30″ of annual precipitation :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
• **Grazing Tolerance:** Highly resistant to heavy grazing and trampling, often increasing in proportion in pastures under pressure; remains nutritious and green into fall :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
• **Erosion Control & Soil Health:** Dense sod and fine roots bind soil particles, stabilizing plains, slopes, and reclaimed lands; suppresses weeds and enhances soil structure :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• **Wildlife Habitat:** Provides forage and winter cover for deer, pronghorn, bison, and nesting birds; its seedheads and litter sustain grasshoppers, butterflies (e.g. green skipper), and small mammals — promoting prairie ecosystem biodiversity :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• **Ornamental & Landscape Appeal:** Features fine blue‑green foliage, compact height (2–4″ when mowed), and a soft prairie lawn look ideal for xeriscape or natural “no-mow” yards :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• **Native Restoration & Mixing:** A keystone grass in prairie seed mixes, it coexists with flowering wildflowers and legumes without overshadowing them—enhancing pollinator habitat and restoring rangeland integrity :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Directions

Seeding:
• Drill or broadcast 3–10 lb/acre (100 lb/acre for turf density); plant at ¼″ depth; firm soil for seed‑to‑soil contact :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Best sown in late spring to early summer once soils warm; spring planting ensures strong establishment :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

Maintenance:
• Mow to 2–4″ as needed (typically 2–3 times per season) to maintain turf and prevent seedheads :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Requires minimal fertilizer—generally thrives on native, low-fertility soils without nutrient additions :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Water sparingly after establishment; deep-rooted nature allows survival during extended dry periods :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

Replanting & Restoration:
• Ideal for prairie, pollinator, and low-input turf mixes; works well with wildflowers when included at 5–20% of the seed blend :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• In restoration settings, excellent for reclaiming disturbed sites such as mine spoils, slopes, and erosion-prone areas :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.