Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_41.gif)
Wednesday - March 05, 2008
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Assessment of Turffalo variety of buffalo grass (Bouteloua dachtyloides)
Answered by: Nan Hampton and Julie Krosley
QUESTION:
Dear Mr.Smarty Plants, Now its March 2008, and your trial installation of Turfallo has had a year to prove itself; I'm interested to know your opinion of Turfallo Grass. There are such good e-claims on Turfallo - what is your assessment for use in Austin?ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants asked Julie Krosley, our senior horticulturist, what she thought about Turffalo by now and here is what she said:"Yes, the Turffalo has been in a year and here is what I have observed:
It is denser than other varities of buffalo and seems to compete a little better against weeds, though I can't say it is weed proof. I can't attest to the durability of the turf because we don't have a lot of foot traffic on it. I also can't attest to its drought resistance because we had a wet year when we put it in. It has survived fine through the winter with the cool temps and low rainfall though. Personally, I like the look of it, short and dense, but the jury is still out on it for me. Maybe after this summer (which is supposed to be hotter and drier), then I can give a better assessment. John Dromgoole over at The Natural Gardener has had it planted there for about 3 years now and he loves it, raving about it on his radio program all the time."
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
Plants for a moist, shady spot in central Texas
July 08, 2016 - I am looking for a plant that will grow in almost full shade with plenty of moisture along a fence. We are looking at putting down some flagstone with possibly some moss growing in between, but we don...
view the full question and answer
Critter-Proof Native Plants for Virginia Lawn
April 02, 2015 - We live in a gated community that was part of the Wilderness Battlefield during the Civil War. Our home is on a narrow lot, fully treed except for a postage stamp-sized lawn at lake side. We have de...
view the full question and answer
Non-native, invasive rescue grass in meadow garden in Smithville TX
September 20, 2012 - Despite numerous efforts, a solid field of cool weather rescue grass keeps desired wildflower and grass seeds from successfully growing on my "vacant" lot in town. I plan to I put out a 6 ml plasti...
view the full question and answer
Assessment of Turffalo buffalograss
June 26, 2009 - Hi,
I'm in the process of planning what type of turf to get for a new home in NW Austin. Turffalo/Tech Turf has showed up as a great possibility and I saw some mention of it back on March 05, 2008...
view the full question and answer
Groundcovers for Kingsland TX
October 11, 2012 - I am looking for a list of native ground covers and grasses(not lawn grass).
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |