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Description
Bouteloua Repens, commonly known as Buffalo Grass or Blue Grama, is a warm-season perennial grass that is native to North America. It is a popular choice for homeowners and landscapers in arid regions due to its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements. This grass typically grows in small clumps and can spread through stolons or above-ground stems. Its leaves are narrow and flat, with a blue-green color. In the summer, it produces spike-like flower stems that rise above the foliage.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————|—————|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Spermatophyta || Class| Liliopsida|| Order| Poales|| Family| Poaceae|| Genus| Bouteloua|| Species| Bouteloua repens |
Appearance
Buffalo Grass is a low-growing grass that typically reaches a height of 3-6 inches. Its leaves are narrow and flat, with a blue-green color. In the fall, the leaves may turn a reddish-brown color. In the summer, Buffalo Grass produces spike-like flower stems that rise above the foliage. The flowers are green or purplish in color and are arranged in a dense, cylindrical spike.
Care Guide
Buffalo Grass is a low-maintenance grass that requires little care once established. Here are some tips for caring for this grass: – Water: Buffalo Grass is drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering. However, it will benefit from occasional deep watering during hot, dry weather. – Fertilization: Buffalo Grass does not require regular fertilization. However, a light application of nitrogen in the spring may help promote growth. – Soil: Buffalo Grass prefers well-draining soil and does not tolerate standing water. – Sunlight: Buffalo Grass requires full sun to thrive. – Hardiness Zones: Buffalo Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Buffalo Grass is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to the following: – Chinch bugs: These insects can cause damage to the grass by feeding on the stems and leaves. – Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves of the grass. – Rust: This fungal disease can cause orange or yellow spots on the leaves of the grass.
Habitat
Buffalo Grass is native to North America and is commonly found on the Great Plains. It is adapted to dry, arid climates and can tolerate drought and extreme temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Buffalo Grass a good choice for low-maintenance landscaping?
A: Yes, Buffalo Grass is a great choice for low-maintenance landscaping due to its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements.
Q: Can Buffalo Grass be grown in shade?
A: No, Buffalo Grass requires full sun to thrive and cannot tolerate shade.
Q: How often should Buffalo Grass be watered?
A: Buffalo Grass is drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering. However, it will benefit from occasional deep watering during hot, dry weather.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Buffalo Grass?
A: Buffalo Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.
Related Plants
– Bouteloua Gracilis (Blue Grama)- Bouteloua Dactyloides (Buffalograss)- Bouteloua Curtipendula (Sideoats Grama)
References
– “Bouteloua repens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 4, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287738.- “Buffalo Grass.” Colorado State University Extension. Accessed August 4, 2021. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/buffalo-grass-7-202/.
