Which grasses dominate shortgrass prairie?

Shortgrass prairie, which occupies the driest regions of the North American prairie, is primarily dominated by species of grama grass and buffalo grass.1

Specifically, the short-grass steppe found in the western portions of the plains is characterized by the dominance of blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides). These grasses are noted for their short stature and significant drought tolerance, making them the defining vegetation of these dry upland plains.23