Star Seed

Buffalo grass is a perennial, native, low-growing, warm-season grass.

Buffalo grass can be used on areas that do not receive a lot of rain but are affected by wind erosion, such as roadside cuts. This grass can be used in parks and on school grounds, golf course and open lawns.

LIVESTOCK: This is an important pasture grass for native and introduced animals.

ADAPTION AND DISTRIBUTION: This grass occurs naturally and grows best on clay soils. It requires little mowing to achieve a uniform appearance. It has a low fertility requirement and it often will maintain good density without supplemental fertilization. Buffalo grass is well suited for sites with 10 to 25 inches of annual precipitation. It is not adapted to shaded sites. Buffalo grass is distributed throughout the Midwest.

MANAGEMENT: Buffalo grass is only recommended for low maintenance and low use turf grass areas. Mowing height and frequency depend on grass use, amount of irrigation, and time of year. Care must be taken when mowing not to cut shorter than 2 to 3 inches to avoid other grasses from out-competing the buffalo grass. Buffalo grass responds well to light applications of nitrogen. Over- fertilization will promote undesirable grasses within the planted area. Buffalo grass is excellent for people who want a large, attractive lawn during the summer with a minimum of work involved. Other advantage of buffalo grass for lawns is that it withstands heavy usage and has good drought tolerance. However, potential lawn growers should note that buffalo grass is a warm season grass, it turns brown with fall’s first freezing weather, and it will not green-up until warm weather returns. During extended dry periods in the summer months, buffalo grass will go brown and become dormant if no supplemental water is provided. Because of aggressive runners, buffalo grass can require edging along walks, driveway, and flower beds.

PASTURE SEEDING RATE: 9 to 11.2 kg PLS/hectare; 8 to 10 lbs. PLS/acre

LAWN SEEDING RATE: 1 to 1.9 kg PLS/93 sq. m; 2 to 4 lbs. PLS/1000 sq. ft.

NUMBER OF SEEDS: 40,000 burs per lb. (0.46 kg); 275,000 seeds per lb. (0.46 kg)

KSU Guide to Buffalograss Lawns

IMAGE: Native Plant Project