Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or ‘Celebration’ Hybrid (likely a finer-textured hybrid based on density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (goes dormant/brown when temperatures drop below 50-60°F).
About This Grass
A low-growing, highly dense turf grass with a medium to fine texture. It exhibits a gray-green to dark green color during active growth but turns straw-tan during winter dormancy. Inflorescences are distinctive, palmately clustered spikes (3-7 finger-like spikes) appearing on 2-6 inch stalks.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-3mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. The leaf surface often has hairs located near the base and on the collar.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system (up to 6 feet deep); very high thatch tendency due to rapid stolon/rhizome growth; fast establishment speed and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zone regions of the United States and globally
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both Rhizomes (subsurface) and Stolons (above-ground), forming a dense, thick mat or sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); very low shade tolerance. Moderate water needs but exceptional drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height: 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High frequency mowing (1-2 times per week). Fertilization: 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic dethatching and core aeration. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, excellent drought recovery, and a strong ability to outcompete weeds in full sun. Highly susceptible to shade.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions. Highly effective for soil stabilization and erosion control. Can be invasive in garden beds due to aggressive rhizomes. Often used in mixes with Ryegrass for winter overseeding.