Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (indicated by the coarse texture and aggressive stolon growth visible in the image)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; enters winter dormancy (turns brown) when soil temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense, and hardy grass. In the image, it displays prominent reddish-purple runners (stolons) and a light-to-medium green color. It has a medium-to-coarse texture with seed heads that typically resemble a bird's foot (digitiform).
Blade Characteristics
Blades are 2-4mm wide (medium to coarse), flat or folded, and tapering to a sharp point. Vernation is folded in the bud. It features a fringe of hairs for a ligule and lacks auricles. The collar is narrow and may have long hairs at the edges.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system with both rhizomes and stolons. High thatch-forming tendency but excellent establishment speed and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive growth via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above ground/runners). Forms a dense, mat-forming sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours). Moderate to low water needs once established; highly drought-tolerant. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 1.0 to 2.0 inches for common varieties. High maintenance level due to rapid growth; requires frequent mowing, high nitrogen fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year), and periodic dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Superior traffic/wear tolerance and rapid recovery. Moderate salt tolerance; low shade tolerance. Highly effective at crowding out weeds when healthy.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization but can be highly invasive in gardens or non-target areas. Often mixed with Ryegrass for winter color/overseeding.