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 nativelow water4–8 in tall and 12–36 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Bouteloua dactyloides
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Legacy', 'Sharp's Improved', 'UC Verde'
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 4–8 in tall and 12–36 in wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- full sun
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Pollinator value
- low
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 included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a groundcover suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Buffalo grass get?
- It matures to about 4–8 in tall and 12–36 in wide.
- 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.
