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drought tolerant grasses

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Posted by bak1057 ca7 (My Page) on
Wed, May 13, 09 at 23:08

I'm east of San Diego at 4200-4600' elevation. Oak/pine woodland. Thanks to springs I have lots of water but I'm looking for drought tolerant ground cover/grasses to plant near the house and on the pond dam. Something that stays relatively green through summer without to much water. Can be mowed, but does not need continual mowing. Heat and sun tolerant. Best if it would compete with weeds. Rather not have to apply herbicide to existing weeds especially at pond. Great if it provides deer forage as well. Creeping Red Fescue did not work, except in shady areas. Buffalo grass? Dryland pasture mix? Clover? I know this is like asking for the lottery numbers but appreciate your expertise.

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RE: drought tolerant grasses

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I don't know your area very well but Buffalo Grass is often reccommended. I did a quick search and discovered that San Diego has a chapter of the California Native Plant Society. They could probably give some good suggestions. My experience is that almost everything is deer forage.

Here is a link that might be useful: San Diego Chapter - CA Native Plant Soc.

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RE: drought tolerant grasses

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Thank you for your suggestion. I have been reading about Buffalo grasses. Trying to figure out which one would do well here. So far Cody and UC Verde appear to be the best. Would probably have to use a herbicide on the dam to prep for planting, something I had hoped to avoid doing. As typical of Ca. woodlands, most grasses go brown in summer and become a fire hazard. Trying to create a "green zone" around the house to slow potential fire and look a bit nicer. Did not want to create an "invasive" problem in the process though. Made it through the big fire in 2003 due to a gravity fed sprinkler system I put in the eaves of the house but it is only effective if we are here to turn it on. If anyone should read this and has planted Buffalograss in this area, I'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks again.

  
 

 

 


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