buffalo grass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Horticultural
Quick answer
What does “buffalo grass” mean?
A common name for several drought-tolerant, low-growing grass species, especially Buchloë dactyloides, native to the North American Great Plains and used for lawns and pastures.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common name for several drought-tolerant, low-growing grass species, especially Buchloë dactyloides, native to the North American Great Plains and used for lawns and pastures.
Any of various grass species (e.g., St. Augustine grass, Stenotaphrum secundatum) used as durable, heat-resistant turf in arid or semi-arid climates. May also refer to grasses historically associated with the habitat of American bison (buffalo).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is far more common in American English due to its North American origin and prevalence in US landscaping. In British English, it might be encountered in botanical texts or discussions of imported/exotic plant species.
Connotations
In the US, it connotes hardiness, drought resistance, and adaptation to plains/prairie climates. In the UK, it may be seen as an exotic or specialist landscaping option.
Frequency
Very rare in everyday UK speech. Low frequency but recognisable in specialised contexts in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “buffalo grass” in a Sentence
grow + buffalo grassplant + buffalo grassmow + buffalo grasswater + buffalo grass sparinglyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “buffalo grass” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not used as a verb]
American English
- [Not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Rarely used adjectivally]
American English
- The buffalo-grass lawn needed no watering all summer.
- They opted for a buffalo-grass solution for the park.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the landscaping, nursery, and turf supply industries. E.g., 'Our new development will feature buffalo grass to reduce irrigation costs.'
Academic
Found in botany, ecology, horticulture, and agricultural science papers discussing xeriscaping, native species, or prairie restoration.
Everyday
Used by gardeners, homeowners, or in regions where it is a common lawn choice. E.g., 'We're replacing our lawn with buffalo grass because of the drought.'
Technical
Precise identification of species (Buchloë dactyloides vs. Stenotaphrum secundatum), discussing its C4 photosynthesis, stoloniferous growth, or water requirements.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “buffalo grass”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “buffalo grass”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “buffalo grass”
- Capitalising it as a proper noun (Buffalo Grass).
- Confusing it with 'St. Augustine grass', which is sometimes called buffalo grass in Australia but is a different species.
- Using it as a mass noun when referring to specific blades (e.g., 'a buffalo grass' is incorrect; 'a blade of buffalo grass' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes, American bison (buffalo) grazed on it. Today, the name refers to specific cultivated species chosen for lawns, not necessarily what modern bison eat.
It is possible in warm, dry, sunny parts of the UK, but it is not native and may struggle with cool, wet winters. It is considered a specialist choice.
Yes, but infrequently. It is a low-growing grass and typically requires less mowing than traditional lawn grasses like Kentucky bluegrass.
Its primary advantage is its extremely high drought and heat tolerance, requiring significantly less water than most other turf grasses.
A common name for several drought-tolerant, low-growing grass species, especially Buchloë dactyloides, native to the North American Great Plains and used for lawns and pastures.
Buffalo grass is usually technical/horticultural in register.
Buffalo grass: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbʌf.ə.ləʊ ˈɡrɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbʌf.ə.loʊ ˈɡræs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated; the term is literal]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BUFFALO standing on the dry, tough plains of North America. The grass it eats must be hardy—that's BUFFALO GRASS.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Primarily literal; potential metaphor: TOUGHNESS/ADAPTABILITY (e.g., 'He has the resilience of buffalo grass.')]
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'buffalo grass' LEAST likely to be used?