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 Fairway/Tee, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a common or hybrid variety (e.g., Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis like 'Tifway 419') based on its common use in residential home lawns.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; thrives in high heat and humidity; goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turfgrass with a fine to medium texture. It is medium to dark green during the growing season, turning a straw-colored tan during winter dormancy. It features a distinctive finger-like (digital) seed head with 3-7 branches.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-3mm), flat or slightly folded, often with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is rolled in the bud. The ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent; the collar is narrow and hairy at the edges.
Root System
Extensive and deep fibrous root system complemented by vigorous rhizomes; high thatch-forming tendency; very fast establishment and recovery speed; provides excellent drought tolerance and wear resistance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa and Asia; well-adapted to the Southern United States, Australia, and warm-temperate to tropical climates worldwide.
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive spreading habit via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above ground); forms a dense, mat-like sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (8+ hours preferred); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought-tolerant but responds well to irrigation during peak summer heat. Prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended mowing height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrids or 1.5 to 2.5 inches for common types. High frequency (1-2 times per week). Fertilization: 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance level due to rapid growth and dethatching needs.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent ability to crowd out weeds; prone to 'Large Patch' or 'Spring Dead Spot' diseases; susceptible to armyworms and sod webworms.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides minimal wildlife cover due to low height; excellent for soil stabilization and preventing erosion on slopes; can be invasive in garden beds due to aggressive rhizomes; often used solo rather than in mixes.