Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance but enters dormancy when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). Limited cold hardiness compared to cool-season grasses.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry perennial grass that forms a dense sod. It is medium to dark green in color, turning straw-colored during winter dormancy. Unmown it can reach 12-15 inches, but it is typically maintained very short. It features a bird-foot shaped seed head with 3-7 spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are fine to medium (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Color is typically grey-green to dark green. Vernation is folded in the bud. It has a distinctive fringe of hairs for a ligule and lacks auricles, with a hairy collar region.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system with both rhizomes and stolons. Known for high thatch production and very fast establishment. Deep roots provide excellent drought recovery and wear resistance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Southern Europe; highly adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; extremely aggressive spreading both above and below ground, forming a dense, mat-like sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought-tolerant but goes dormant during extreme dry spells. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches for common varieties. High frequency mowing required due to fast growth. High maintenance; requires 2-4 lbs of Nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually and frequent dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; superior drought recovery. Often considered an invasive weed in ornamental beds and cool-season lawns due to its aggressive spreading.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control. Low wildlife value for food, but provides cover for small insects. Highly invasive in non-target areas; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.