Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (vibrant green, medium-coarse texture)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; poor shade tolerance; enters dormancy below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, creeping grass that forming a thick, durable sod. Color ranges from gray-green to dark green, turning straw-colored in winter dormancy. Seed heads are distinctive 3-7 finger-like spikes (digitate).
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a pointed tip. Vernation is folded; ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent. Long hairs are often visible at the leaf base/collar region.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system with both rhizomes and stolons; high thatch tendency; fast establishment; excellent drought tolerance and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive, dense, mat-forming spreader.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance once established; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches for common varieties; high frequency; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance due to vigorous growth.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic tolerance; high salt tolerance; rapid self-repairing capability; aggressive enough to outcompete most weeds in full sun.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in gardens/flower beds; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.