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Buffalograss is a unique plant found in the Estevan Area

Calling all Estevan area landowners: you may have a unique plant hiding in your pasture! Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) is a rare plant that is found in only two places in Canada: the Estevan area and in Manitoba. It grows in native pastures with shaley-clay soil, dry gumbo flats, or shallow coulee bottoms. It looks similar to blue grama or eyebrow grass (Bouteloua gracilis), but has above-ground runners (stolons) and separate male and female plants.

This threatened grass flourishes with livestock grazing, and provides livestock forage that is highly palatable, nutrient and protein rich, and is drought tolerant. It is, however, threatened by habitat loss due to development (e.g. road building, coal strip mining, urban expansion), conversion of pasture to cropland, and invasive plants. If you are one of the special few who have Buffalograss in their pasture, you can help increase this plant’s population numbers by retaining your native pasture and continuing to graze the land as you always have. Take pride in knowing that you are making a positive contribution to species at risk conservation!

Rare Plant Rescue works to conserve rare plant habitat through voluntary stewardship and to increase awareness of plant species at risk. If you have Buffalograss or any plant species at risk on your land, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-667-4668. By reporting a sighting you are providing valuable information for their conservation. Information is not shared without permission.