Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (possibly a hybrid like 'Tifway 419' given the dense lawn appearance)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7–10. Excellent heat tolerance; moderate cold tolerance. Becomes dormant (brown) when temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, spreading grass with a fine to medium texture. It creates a thick, resilient carpet. The color is typically medium to dark green during active growth, turning tan or straw-colored during winter dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are narrow (1.5–4mm), flat, and taper to a sharp, pointed tip. Vernation is folded. The ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. The leaf surface is often slightly hairy near the base.
Root System
Extensive and deep (up to 6 feet in sandy soils), consisting of both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. Excellent establishment speed and high thatch tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive, forming a dense, mat-like sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours minimum). Low water needs once established; high drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0–7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height: 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High frequency required during peak summer growth. High fertilization needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year). Requires periodic dethatching and aeration.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and recovery speed. High salt tolerance. Poor shade tolerance. Aggressively crowds out weeds but can become invasive in garden beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization for erosion control. Low wildlife food value but provides cover for small insects. Often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.