Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control, Pasture
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (indicated by medium texture and slightly more open growth than hybrid varieties)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (suffers winter kill below 10°F). Enters brown dormancy in winter.
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green to dark green grass that forms a thick sod. It goes dormant and turns tan/brown after the first frost. Seed heads are distinctive bird-foot-shaped spikes with 3-7 branches.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent. Visible grey-green hue with a rough texture along the edges.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; very fast establishment speed and excellent recovery from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide (especially Southern US and Australia)
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreading habit forming a dense, durable mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs; excellent drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 1.0-2.0 inches for common varieties. High frequency required during summer. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year. Requires regular dethatching (verticutting) and aeration. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, and excellent drought recovery. Susceptible to Large Patch (Rhizoctonia) and Spring Dead Spot. Aggressive enough to crowd out most weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. High soil stabilization value for erosion control. Can be invasive in garden beds due to rhizomes. Often over-seeded with Perennial Ryegrass in winter for year-round color.