Buffalo Grass
Bouteloua dactyloides
Last reviewed: August 2026
Buffalo Grass is a drought-tolerant native grass found across the Great Plains and southwestern United States. This low-maintenance species blooms from May through August and supports native bees and beetles.
Toxicity unknown
Buffalo Grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Buffalo Grass as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AR, AZ, CO, GA and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Buffalo grass is a low-growing native prairie grass that forms dense, fine-textured mats. This drought-tolerant species stays relatively short and creates a neat, uniform appearance throughout the growing season. It produces small, inconspicuous flower spikes during summer months.
Growing Buffalo Grass
Grow Buffalo Grass in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Buffalo Grass is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May brown slightly in winter despite evergreen classification
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the blooming period. As a native grass, it provides habitat and food sources for various prairie insects and small wildlife.
Common questions
- Where does Buffalo Grass naturally grow?
- Buffalo Grass is native to 22 states across the Great Plains, Southwest, and parts of the Southeast, including Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas, Montana, and Wyoming.
- When does Buffalo Grass bloom?
- Buffalo Grass produces flowers from May through August, with peak blooming typically occurring during the summer months.
- What pollinators visit Buffalo Grass?
- Buffalo Grass attracts native bees and beetles, which help pollinate its small, inconspicuous flowers during the blooming season.
- How much water does Buffalo Grass need?
- Buffalo Grass is extremely drought-tolerant and requires minimal water once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscapes.
- Is Buffalo Grass toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Buffalo Grass as toxic to livestock.
- Is Buffalo Grass HOA-friendly?
- Buffalo Grass is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Buffalo Grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz