The grasslands of the western plains were the core of the great bison belt. The grasslands consisted primarily of blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides). These grasses have deep and dense root structure and retain large amounts of water, making them well suited to survive dramatic environmental fluctuations. Volatility, not equilibrium, defined the natural environment of the great bison belt.Isenberg, 18.
