Buffelgrass: The Invasive Grass Fueling Wildfires in the Desert

Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) is a drought-tolerant bunchgrass that spreads fast, outcompetes native desert plants, and creates dangerous wildfire conditions across dry landscapes.

Invasive Species • Wildfire Risk • Desert Ecology • Weed Control

Buffel Grass

Overview

Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) is a perennial bunchgrass native to Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. It has become a highly invasive species in the southwestern United States and Australia.

 

Introduced in the 1930s for cattle forage and erosion control, it is now considered the “archenemy” of the Sonoran Desert because it transforms diverse ecosystems into flammable monocultures.

Characteristics & Impact

1) Appearance

Buffelgrass grows in dense clumps (bunchgrass) and can reach up to 4 feet tall.
Its flower stalks are bottlebrush-shaped, appearing reddish-purple when young and turning tan when mature.

2) Adaptability

This plant is extremely drought-tolerant and responds rapidly to rain. After moisture events, it can green up quickly and begin producing seeds almost immediately.

3) Spread

A single buffelgrass plant can produce thousands of seeds, which spread by:

  • Wind

  • Water runoff

  • Animals (fur transfer)

  • Clothing and shoes

 

This makes it easy for infestations to expand into new areas without being noticed early.

Impact and Hazards

Wildfire Risk

Unlike native desert plants that grow spaced apart, buffelgrass forms a continuous fuel bed. It can burn at temperatures up to 1,600°F, which is hot enough to:

  • Melt aluminum

  • Kill native saguaros

  • Destroy desert trees and plants not adapted to fire

Outcompeting Native Plants

Buffelgrass aggressively monopolizes water and nutrients, which:

  • Reduces native wildflowers and shrubs

  • Lowers biodiversity

  • Decreases food sources for wildlife such as desert tortoises and jackrabbits

Economic Impact

Large infestations can threaten:

  • Tourism (by damaging iconic landscapes)

  • Residential areas near desert edges

  • Roads, infrastructure, and public safety

Management & Control

Managing buffelgrass requires long-term effort because seeds can remain viable in soil for 3 to 5 years.

Manual Removal (Best for Small Patches)

Digging up the entire root crown is effective when infestations are small.
Recommended tools include:

  • Pickaxes

  • Digging bars

  • Heavy-duty hand tools

Important: Leaving the crown behind can allow the plant to regrow.

Herbicide Treatment

Glyphosate-based herbicides are commonly used, but they work best when the plant is:

  •  At least 50% green

  • Actively growing

Spraying when the plant is dry or dormant is usually ineffective.

Quick Prevention Tips (Optional Section)

To reduce buffelgrass spread:

  • Inspect trails, desert edges, and disturbed soil areas
  • Clean shoes and gear after hikes
  • Remove new clumps before they seed
  • Report major patches to local land managers

Buffelgrass may look harmless, but it’s one of the most damaging invasive species in desert ecosystems. It spreads quickly, pushes out native plants, and dramatically increases wildfire risk. Early detection and consistent control are essential for protecting both natural habitats and nearby communities.