Definition

Noun: 1. A type of short, hardy grass (Buchloë dactyloides) native to the dry plains of central North America, historically associated with regions inhabited by American bison. 2. A low-growing, mat-forming grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), also known as St. Augustine grass, common in the southern United States and tropical America, often used for lawns.

Usage Examples

• The buffalo grass on the prairie is exceptionally drought-resistant.
• They planted buffalo grass for their lawn because it thrives in the southern heat and requires less water.
• The short, curly blades of buffalo grass are well-adapted to grazing.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe things related to or made from this grass.
  • They admired the buffalo grass prairie, a classic ecosystem of the Great Plains.

Variants and Related Words

• Gramma grass: A common name for the plains species ().
• St. Augustine grass: The common name for the lawn species ().

Synonyms

• For the plains species: grama grass, plains grass.
• For the lawn species: St. Augustine grass, carpet grass (in some regions).

Notes on Different Meanings

This word has two distinct botanical meanings referring to different grass species. The correct meaning is determined by context: 1. The first meaning refers to a native, short-grass prairie species important for rangeland and ecological restoration. 2. The second meaning refers to a common cultivated lawn grass used in warm, coastal climates.

Noun

1. short grass growing on dry plains of central United States (where buffalo roam)
2. low mat-forming grass of southern United States and tropical America; grown as a lawn grass