Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 transition zone grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or potentially a hybrid like 'Tifway' (based on fine texture and density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; moderate cold tolerance but goes dormant and turns brown below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a fine to medium texture. It maintains a deep green to grey-green color during the growing season and turns golden-brown (dormant) in winter. It forms a thick, carpet-like mat that is highly resilient.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-3mm), flat or folded in the bud (folded vernation), pointed tips. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. Leaves are often slightly hairy on the upper surface near the base.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch tendency. Rapid establishment speed from sod, sprigs, or plugs. High drought tolerance and exceptional wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa and Asia; well-adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive; both Rhizomatous (underground) and Stoloniferous (above ground stolons)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate watering once established. Highly drought-resistant. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Low mowing height (0.5 to 1.5 inches). High frequency mowing (1-2 times per week). High fertilization needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year). Requires periodic vertical mowing (dethatching) and aeration.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance. High salt tolerance and high drought recovery. Resistant to many pests but susceptible to Large Patch (Rhizoctonia). Highly effective at crowding out most weeds due to density.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. High soil stabilization value for erosion control. Can be invasive in garden beds or when escaping into native cool-season grasslands. Often blended with Ryegrass for winter overseeding.