In grasses, however, the growing center is at the base of the leaf, where it joins the stem, and the tip of the leaf is the oldest tissue. Therefore, if the upper portion of the leaves is mowed or grazed, the plant renews growth from its base. Buffalo Gap lies within the mixed grass prairie zone and contains grass species from both the tallgrass and shortgrass communities. Forty-seven species of grasses occur regularly within its boundaries. In addition to grass species, there are several species of sedges that occur from the dry uplands to the wetlands.
Sedges are similar in many respects to grasses and are frequently called grass-like.
They may generally be distinguished from grasses by their triangular solid stems with leaves attached on all three sides. The following field guides are available through the Badlands Natural History Association at the National Grasslands Visitor Center in Wall, SD Art, Henry W. 1991, The Wildflower Gardener's Guide . Garden Way Publishing Art, Henry W. 1988, Creating a Wildflower Meadow . Storey Country Wisdom Gilmore, Melvin R. 1977, Uses of Plants by the Indians of the Missouri River Region Kindscher, Kelly. 1992, Medicinal Wildplants of the Prairie .