Warm Season Turfgrasses in the Midwest

Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica), buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides), and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), are sometimes planted in the Midwest. Of the three, buffalograss is most cold tolerant, bermudagrass is the least cold tolerant, and zoysiagrass is intermediate. All three are desirable because of their tolerance to heat and drought. However, they should be planted with care due to their brown appearance during dormancy from mid autumn to mid spring.