Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10 (and warmer parts of Zone 6). Excellent heat and drought tolerance, but goes dormant and loses color when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or hybrid varieties like 'Tifway 419'
About This Grass
Forms a dense, fine-to-medium textured turf with a vibrant green color during the growing season. It goes dormant and turns straw-brown during cold winter months. Height can reach several inches if unmowed, but it is typically maintained very low (0.5 to 1.5 inches). Produces slender seed heads with 3 to 7 digitate spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are fine to medium in width (2-3 mm), flat or folded, with pointed tips. Color ranges from light green to dark green. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs. Auricles are absent. Collar region is continuous with a narrow band.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending several feet into the soil, coupled with aggressive rhizomes and stolons. Moderate to high thatch tendency under high fertilization. Establishes rapidly from sod or seed (hybrids from sprigs/sod). Exceptional drought tolerance and rapid wear recovery via aggressive spreading.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide; widely cultivated in warm temperate and tropical regions, particularly the southern United States and transition zones.
Growth Habit
Aggressive, spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming an extremely dense, tight mat or turf.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight; very poor shade tolerance). High drought tolerance, going dormant during extreme drought and greening up quickly upon receiving water. Prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 0.5 to 1.5 inches using a reel or sharp rotary mower. High mowing frequency (twice weekly during peak growth). Heavy fertilizer needs (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year for optimal color and density). Requires frequent dethatching and core aeration. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, making it ideal for sports fields, golf courses, and high-use lawns. Good salt tolerance and excellent drought recovery. Crowds out weeds effectively when dense and healthy.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to its extensive root and stolon network. Valued for low water requirements once established in warm climates, though it can become invasive in flower beds due to aggressive underground runners.