Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (based on slightly wider blades and genetic look, though hybrid varieties like Tifway 419 are similar in managed turf)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance; will enter dormancy and turn brown when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turf grass with a medium to fine texture. It is dark green during peak growing season, turning straw-colored during winter dormancy. It forms a resilient sod with high foot-traffic tolerance.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, tapering to a sharp pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of short white hairs; auricles are absent. Leaf surface is usually smooth but may have sparse hairs near the base.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both rhizomes and stolons; moderate to high thatch tendency; very fast establishment speed; excellent drought tolerance and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Southern Europe; well-adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and rhizomatous; highly aggressive spreader forming a dense, thick mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance once established; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; requires regular deep watering during peak summer heat to maintain green color.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5-1.5 inches; frequent mowing (1-2 times per week) required; fertilization 3-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance level requiring frequent dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, excellent drought recovery, and fast growth rate that crowds out many weeds. Poor shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control; can be invasive in gardens or agricultural fields; provides cover but limited food value for wildlife.