Buffalo
Stenotaphrum secundatumA broad-leafed, warm-season grass that spreads by thick surface runners. It copes with some shade better than couch or kikuyu, but is sensitive to some herbicides.
Identify
What grass do I have?
Look closely at a patch of lawn: the width of the leaf, what the runners do, and how it feels underfoot. Answer three questions to narrow it down.
Most likely
Answer the questions to narrow it down.
Lawns are often a mix. If you're still unsure, ask LawnMan with a close-up photo of the leaves and runners.
The grass types, side by side
| Grass | Leaves | Growth | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | Broad, flat leaves with a rounded tip, noticeably wider than couch or kikuyu. | Thick runners (stolons) creep across the surface and root at the joints. There are no underground runners. | Soft-leaf varieties feel soft and springy underfoot. |
| Couch | Fine, narrow leaves, much finer than buffalo or kikuyu. | Spreads by runners on the surface and underground, forming a dense mat. | Fine and dense. |
| Kikuyu | Medium-width, soft leaves, slightly hairy, on thick runners. | Spreads by thick runners on the surface (stolons) and underground (rhizomes), and recovers quickly from wear. | Medium texture, springy when kept short. |
| Zoysia | Narrow to medium leaves that feel stiff and slightly prickly at the tips; varieties range from fine to medium. | Dense and slow-growing, spreading by runners above and below ground. | Firm and dense, springy underfoot. |
Couch
Cynodon dactylonA fine-leafed warm-season grass that makes a dense, hard-wearing lawn in full sun and can be mown short. It spreads above and below ground, and thins out in shade.
Kikuyu
Cenchrus clandestinusA vigorous, hard-wearing warm-season grass that spreads fast by runners above and below ground. Great for heavy use in full sun; it needs edging to keep it out of garden beds.
Zoysia
Zoysia speciesA slow-growing, dense warm-season grass with stiff leaves. It needs less mowing than other warm-season grasses, but also recovers from damage more slowly.