Buffalo grass
Bouteloua dactyloides
Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a Colorado-native groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4–8 in tall and 12–36 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Native CO short-grass prairie sod-forming lawn. THE turf alternative, uses ~25% of bluegrass water. Goes tan in droughts (feature, not bug).
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water4–8 in tall and 12–36 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
(c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–10
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 4–8 in tall and 12–36 in wide
- Growth habit
- Mat-forming
- Planting spacing
- ~25–36 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Winter cover
- Strong winter cover
What it will do to your yard
- Foot traffic
- Moderate foot traffic
- Lawn alternative
- Mowable lawn alternative
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelyBuffalograss, spreads via stolons (desirable as a lawn alternative; flag for the bed context)
Using Buffalo grass as a groundcover
Buffalo grass forms a low mat. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds. It takes moderate foot traffic, so you can walk on it regularly. It holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground doesn't go bare.
Planting & establishment
Water 1×/week first summer to establish. Goes dormant (tan) in extreme heat; greens back up with rain. Mow at 3 inches or leave unmowed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Buffalo grass good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Buffalo grass is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Buffalo grass?
- The main things to know: Buffalograss, spreads via stolons (desirable as a lawn alternative; flag for the bed context)
- How big does Buffalo grass get?
- It matures to about 4–8 in tall and 12–36 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Buffalo grass?
- Space Buffalo grass about 25 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 36 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Buffalo grass hardy on the Front Range?
- Buffalo grass is hardy in USDA 3–10. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Buffalo grass need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Buffalo grass native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Buffalo grass deer-resistant?
- Buffalo grass is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Buffalo grass a good firewise plant near the house?
- Buffalo grass is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Buffalo grass?
- Buffalo grass takes moderate foot traffic, so you can walk on it regularly.
- Can Buffalo grass replace a lawn?
- Yes, Buffalo grass works as a mowable lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Buffalo grass spread or stay put?
- Buffalo grass is mat-forming. Buffalograss, spreads via stolons (desirable as a lawn alternative; flag for the bed context) Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Buffalo grass stay green in winter?
- Buffalo grass holds strong cover through Front Range winters, so the ground stays protected rather than going bare.
