Buffalo Grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a native North American prairie grass prized for its exceptional drought tolerance and minimal maintenance requirements. This warm-season perennial forms a dense, fine-textured turf that thrives in arid climates. It is a popular choice for xeriscaping projects and serves as a viable alternative to traditional turf species requiring frequent irrigation and fertilization. Understanding the grass’s natural height is key to managing it effectively for a home lawn.
Maximum Height When Unmanaged
If left unmanaged, Buffalo Grass reaches a relatively short maximum height compared to other common lawn species. The foliage, consisting of fine, curled leaf blades, typically grows only about four to six inches tall, with the overall plant height topping out around six to eight inches.
In certain conditions, the total height may occasionally reach twelve inches. The most noticeable height increase comes from the reproductive structures, specifically the seed heads produced during the growing season. The slender male flower stalks stand erect above the main leaf canopy, often prompting homeowners to mow the grass.
Female flower clusters are much shorter and often hidden among the leaf blades. Because Buffalo Grass is dioecious (male and female flowers are on separate plants), lawns established using female-only cultivars appear much shorter. This characteristic allows for a reduced mowing schedule, as the turf lacks the tall male seed heads.
Environmental Influences on Growth
The actual height the grass achieves is highly dependent on environmental conditions. Water availability is the largest factor influencing vertical growth, as the plant naturally keeps a low profile in dry soils. When the grass receives regular irrigation or heavy rainfall, the growth rate increases substantially, leading to a taller canopy.
Soil fertility also plays a significant role in height, as Buffalo Grass is adapted to low-nutrient, native prairie soils. Applying high-nitrogen fertilizers can cause the grass to grow taller and weaker, which is undesirable for a dense, low-maintenance turf. Minimal fertilization, often only once or twice a year with a balanced or low-nitrogen formula, is recommended to keep the height manageable and the plant healthy.
Buffalo Grass requires full, direct sun for at least six to eight hours a day to maintain a tight growth habit. In shaded conditions, the plant may stretch or become “leggy” as it attempts to reach sunlight. This results in a taller, sparser, and less appealing appearance.
Recommended Mowing Heights for Turf
For homeowners using Buffalo Grass as a traditional turf lawn, the recommended mowing height range is between two and four inches. Maintaining this height promotes a healthy stand of grass while removing the taller male seed heads. Cutting the grass higher, generally three to four inches, is beneficial because the longer leaf blades provide more shade to the soil and the grass’s crown.
This shading helps conserve soil moisture, enhancing the grass’s drought tolerance. Conversely, mowing too low (below one inch) can severely stress the plant, expose the soil, and increase the risk of weed invasion and scalping. The lowest recommended height for a healthy lawn is typically around one inch, but this should be done sparingly.
Mowing frequency for Buffalo Grass is significantly lower than for traditional cool-season lawns, often required only once every two to four weeks during the active growing season. Regular mowing at the recommended height prevents the removal of too much leaf tissue at once. Never cut more than one-third of the blade height during a single mowing. Using a sharp blade is important to ensure a clean cut and prevent tearing the leaf tissue.