Poaceae
Buffelgrass
Cenchrus ciliaris
Also known as African buffelgrass, Cenchrus ciliaris, Birdwood grass, Pennisetum rangei
Native Plants · Buffelgrass · Ornamental Grass · Invasive · Drought Tolerant · Arid · Erosion Control · Rangegrass · Fast Growing · Perennial Grass
Buffelgrass is a vigorous, fast-growing perennial grass that establishes easily in full sun and tolerates a wide range of soils. Be aware that it is considered a highly invasive species in arid regions such as the Sonoran Desert, where it outcompetes native vegetation and increases wildfire risk. It requires little maintenance once established but should be managed carefully to prevent uncontrolled spread.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 8 hours
- Watering
- Water deeply but infrequently; drought tolerant once established · Every 10-14 days once established
- Maintenance
- High
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 6–8.5
- Temperature
- -20°F to 90°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Hardiness
USDA 4a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 12 in – 3 ft
- Spread
- 2 ft
- Spacing
- 24 in apart
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Coarse
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Afghanistan, Algeria, Andaman Is., Angola, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Aruba, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Burkina, California
- Attracts
- Birds
Sources: trefle, usda
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