Quick answer: Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) is native to 19 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Patrick Alexander https://www.inaturalist.org/people/aspidoscelis, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Low-Medium water, Dry |
| Soil | Well-drained loam, clay, caliche, or limestone (not sand) |
| Bloom | Apr-Dec |
| Height | 3-12 in |
| Wildlife value | Winter browse for mammals, seeds/leaves food and nesting material for birds, larval host for Green Skipper |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Buffalograss
Where is Buffalograss native?
Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) is native to 19 states across the Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Buffalograss bloom?
Buffalograss blooms Apr-Dec. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Buffalograss need?
Light: Sun. Water: Low-Medium water, Dry. Soil: Well-drained loam, clay, caliche, or limestone (not sand). Mature height: 3-12 in.
Is Buffalograss good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Winter browse for mammals, seeds/leaves food and nesting material for birds, larval host for Green Skipper.
Is Buffalograss deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Buffalograss is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy real Buffalograss seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Bouteloua dactyloides on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Buffalograss.
- Blue grama Bouteloua gracilis
- Rocky Mountain bee plant Peritoma serrulata
- Sideoats grama Bouteloua curtipendula
- Indiangrass Sorghastrum nutans
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Big bluestem Andropogon gerardii
Also listed under
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