Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (shown in a dormant/stressed state with emerging green shoots)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown below 50°F (10°C); poor shade tolerance.
About This Grass
Low-growing, aggressive grass that turns tan/straw-colored during winter dormancy or drought. When active, it is medium to dark green with a fine to medium texture. It forms a thick carpet that can take heavy traffic.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), generally flat or V-shaped with a pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Extensive system of deep fibrous roots, rhizomes, and surface stolons. High thatch-forming tendency and very fast establishment speed from sprigs or sod. Deep roots provide excellent drought survival.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zone regions globally
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreading habit forming a dense, mat-like sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance but needs regular water for lush growth; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches for common varieties; high frequency (1-2 times per week); 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year; high maintenance including regular aeration and dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and recovery; high salt tolerance; highly invasive in garden beds; excellent for erosion control and high-traffic sports fields.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides cover for small insects but often considered a weed in native ecosystems due to its aggressive spread; used for stabilization of disturbed soils.