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 7-10, with some cold-tolerant varieties surviving in Zone 6. Goes completely dormant and turns straw-brown upon exposure to frost.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda ('Tifway 419' or similar fine-textured turf cultivars)
About This Grass
Forms a dense, low-growing turf with a fine to medium texture. Bright green to grayish-green color during the active growing season, turning brown and going dormant during winter frosts. When unmowed, height can reach 6 to 18 inches, but it is typically maintained below 1.5 inches. Seed heads consist of 3 to 7 slender spikes radiating from a single point.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-3mm), flat blades with pointed tips. Folded vernation in the bud. Color ranges from light to dark green. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent. Distinct collar region with hairs.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending 2 to 6 feet deep into the soil. Aggressive thatch former if not properly managed. Fast establishment from seed or sod, providing excellent drought tolerance and rapid wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide; widely cultivated across the southern United States and transition zones.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a very dense, tight turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight). High drought tolerance once established, going into dormancy during severe dry spells. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High maintenance when kept as a fine turf, requiring frequent mowing, high nitrogen fertilization (4-6 lbs per 1000 sq ft per year), regular dethatching, and aeration.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance with rapid recuperative ability, making it ideal for sports fields and golf courses. Good salt and drought tolerance. Poor shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes and coastal areas. Can become an invasive weed in agricultural fields and flower beds due to its aggressive spreading nature.