Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control, and sometimes considered an Invasive Weed in garden beds
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a wild-type or common variety rather than a hybrid)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). Limited cold hardiness compared to cool-season grasses.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry perennial that form a dense sod. It has a distinctive grayish-green to bright green color. In its unmowed state, it produces upright flower stalks ending in 3-7 finger-like spikes (digitate). It turns tan/brown during winter dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, with a pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Characterized by a distinctive fringe of hairs for a ligule and a smooth collar. Hairs are often present at the base of the leaf blade.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system supported by thick, scaly rhizomes. Fast establishment; high thatch tendency due to rapid lateral growth. Excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and parts of Eurasia; widely adapted and naturalized across the Southern United States and tropical/subtropical regions globally
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive; both Rhizomatous (underground) and Stoloniferous (above ground). Forms dense, low-growing mats.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought tolerant. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches for common varieties. High frequency mowing required due to rapid growth. Requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Regular dethatching and aeration necessary. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; superior drought recovery. Known for its ability to crowd out other weeds, though it can become an invasive pest in flower beds and borders.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization on slopes; limited wildlife food value but provides cover for small insects. Highly invasive in non-turf agricultural or ornamental settings.