Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Erosion Control, and Invasive Weed
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (wild type), characterized by coarser texture and higher seed production compared to hybrid cultivars
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance; moderate cold tolerance. Becomes dormant (brown) when soil temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
Low-growing, wiry grass that forms a thick mat. It is grey-green to dark green, turning straw-colored upon first frost. Seed heads are distinctive bird-foot shapes with 3 to 7 spikes (racemes) originating from a single point.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are fine to medium (2-4mm), flat or folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded. The ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent. The collar is narrow and hairy at the edges.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system with thick rhizomes reaching up to 6 inches deep (occasionally more). High thatch tendency; very fast establishment and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones globally, especially the Southern United States
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (above-ground runners). Forms a dense, mat-like sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate watering needs; exceptional drought tolerance through dormancy.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 1.0-2.5 inches for common varieties; frequent mowing required during peak summer. High nitrogen requirement (3-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Medium to high maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Extreme traffic/wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, and high drought recovery. Highly invasive in flower beds; resistant to most common lawn diseases but susceptible to Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization for erosion-prone areas. Can be invasive in native ecosystems, outcompeting local flora. Provides cover for small insects but limited forage value for wildlife compared to native bunchgrasses.