Buffalograss
Buchloe dactyloides
Poaceae
Description
Buffalograss forms sod with creeping stolons that take root at the leafy nodes. Nodes are smooth and the 2- to 2 1/2-inch long internodes are flattened and shorter than in common curlymesquite. Foliage turns reddish brown after frost. The ligule is a short, ciliate membrane. Male and female plants grow in separate colonies. Female plants bear seeds in bur-like clusters among the leaves (top drawing). Male plants have flag-like seed heads with two or three spikes (bottom drawing). Produces seed throughout the year.
Buffalograss is a perennial, warm-season, native - 4 to 12 inches tall.
Good grazing for livestock. Fair grazing for wildlife.
Habitat
Grows on plains, prairies and mowed roadsides. Increases on heavily grazed tall-grass regions.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairy
Growth Habit: Grasses, Sod grass
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 01 - Pineywoods, 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 03 - Post Oak Savannah, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 09 - High Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Know Your Grasses (B-182)
Collection: Grasses
