Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10, excellent heat tolerance, poor cold tolerance (dormant below 50°F)
About This Grass
Forms a dense, fine-to-medium textured turf with grayish-green to bright green leaves; goes dormant and turns straw-brown with first frost
Blade Characteristics
Medium-fine width (2-3mm), flat, pointed tips, folded in the bud (vernation), smooth texture with prominent ligule of hairs
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes and stolons; rapid establishment and exceptional wear recovery
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin, widely naturalized in tropical and warm temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun required (poor shade tolerance), moderate water needs with high drought tolerance through dormancy
Mowing & Maintenance
Low to medium height (0.5 to 1.5 inches), frequent mowing needed during peak growth, high fertilization response
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, high recuperative ability, good salt tolerance, crowds out many weeds
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America, valued for excellent soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes and heavy traffic areas