Buffalograss
Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) is the sod-forming shortgrass of the High Plains. Spreading by stolons into a dense low turf, it survives extended drought, tolerates heavy grazing, and stabilizes soils across the semi-arid western CRP range.
Why landowners plant buffalograss
- Survives on as little as 12 inches of annual precipitation.
- Stoloniferous sod resists erosion and heavy hoof traffic.
- Almost no maintenance once established — no fertility or mowing required.
- Standard shortgrass component in western Kansas, Colorado, and Texas CP2 mixes.
Site fit
Dry clay loams and loams in the western Plains. It underperforms on deep sand and in the humid eastern Corn Belt, where taller grasses shade it out. Pair with blue grama for the classic shortgrass pairing.
Establishment
Seed comes as burrs; treated (chemically or mechanically processed) burrs germinate far better. Plant 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep into warm soil in late spring. Stolon spread fills gaps in years two and three.
Management
Extremely grazing-tolerant — one of the few natives that persists under continuous grazing. Fire-tolerant. Needs full sun.
CRP practice fit
Base shortgrass in western native grass plantings.
Shortgrass component of dry western diversity mixes.
Low-cover habitat seedings in the southern High Plains.
Featured mixes with buffalograss
Pairs well with
Blue grama · Sideoats grama · Western wheatgrass · Prairie coneflower
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Untreated burrs germinate slowly and unevenly. Treated or processed burrs give much more reliable stands and are worth the added cost.
Poorly. It needs a dry, open, western climate. In the humid eastern Corn Belt, taller grasses shade it out within a couple of seasons.