Alternatives to Buffalo Grass

Characteristics

• A North American native turf grass, buffalo grass is low growing, reaching heights of only 8 to 10 inches. It spreads by surface runners and seed to form a finely textured thin turf that's blue-green. It won't grow in the shade or in sandy soil. It won't stand up to high traffic. It is drought tolerant and doesn't need fertilizer. Unless it's being used as a lawn, buffalo grass doesn't need to be mowed.

Blue Grama Grass

• Blue grama grass is also a drought-tolerant species that prefers a sunny location. It is often mistaken for buffalo grass but grows in tufts rather than by runners. Its blades grow 1 to 12 inches high and can be mowed. Blue grama can be mixed with buffalo grass for a denser turf or used alone.

Puccinellia Distans

• Pucicinellia distans, or alkali grass, is a cousin of buffalo grass. The Fults strain has the same characteristics as buffalo grass with the added benefit of being salt tolerant, an important feature for grass near roadways. It's denser than buffalo grass, which makes it a good candidate for home lawns. Left unmowed, it grows to a height of 12 to 16 inches and can serve as an attractive specimen plant.

Zoysia Grass

• Zoysia seed was introduced to the United States around 1910. The grass is native to China, Japan and Southeast Asia. Like buffalo grass, it prefers warm, dry summer temperatures, is drought tolerant and a deep shade of green. It is denser than buffalo grass, must be mowed regularly and can hold up to average traffic, which makes it a good alternative for use as a lawn.