Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (shown in a medium-maintenance utility state)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; moderate cold tolerance but enters dormancy (turns brown) when temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turf grass with a medium to fine texture. Exhibits a vibrant light-to-mid-green color during the growing season, turning tan or brown during winter dormancy. Mature seed heads are digitately arranged spikes (3-7 branches), often resembling a bird's foot.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium (approx. 2-4mm); shape is flat or slightly folded; tips are sharply pointed. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. The collar region is narrow and may have some long hairs at the edges.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous system combined with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch-forming tendency; very rapid establishment and excellent wear recovery due to multiple spreading methods.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous. Extremely aggressive spreading above and below ground, forming a dense, resilient mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8+ hours/day); poor shade tolerance. Moderate water needs but exceptional drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
High maintenance. Ideal mowing height: 0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrid, 1.0 to 2.5 inches for common. Frequent mowing is required. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic vertical mowing or dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance. Susceptible to 'Spring Dead Spot' and large patch. Highly effective at crowding out most weeds once established.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. High value for soil stabilization and erosion control. Can be invasive in garden beds and agricultural fields; often mixed with Ryegrass for winter overseeding.