Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn, Turf, Pasture, and Sports Turf
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (Likely non-hybridized based on leaf texture and visibility)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. High heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown below 50°F (10°C). Moderately cold hardy but can suffer winter-kill in northern transition zones.
About This Grass
Low-growing, dense sod-forming grass with a medium texture. Typically gray-green to dark green in color. Seed heads are distinctive finger-like spikes (3-7 spikes) arranged like a bird's foot. It turns tan/brown during winter dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. Visible prominent midrib and occasional hairs on the blade surface.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes. Forms heavy thatch; very fast establishment speed. Dense sod provides excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; now naturalized worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions and the southern US
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive, both Rhizomatous (underground) and Stoloniferous (above ground)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (8+ hours); very poor shade tolerance. Moderate water needs but exceptional drought tolerance through dormancy. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High frequency mowing required due to rapid growth. Requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Regular dethatching and aeration are necessary.
Special Characteristics
Superior traffic and wear tolerance. High salt tolerance. Excellent drought recovery and erosion control. Can be invasive in flower beds due to aggressive rhizomes.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization and forage for livestock. High invasive potential in non-turf areas. Often used in blends for sports fields.