Bermuda Grass (Common)
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Invasive/Weed Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass; identified by coarser blades and lower density compared to hybrid cultivars like 'Tifway'.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green grass that spreads quickly via surface runners and underground stems. It turns straw-colored during winter dormancy. In the image, it is seen as sparse, wiry runners encroaching into sandy soil alongside a large Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) weed.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, with a pointed tip. Color is typically grey-green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes; highly drought-tolerant and forms thick thatch over time; rapid establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreading habit forming a dense, low-growing mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; water needs are moderate once established.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height varies (0.5 to 2.5 inches); high frequency required due to rapid growth; requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance; excellent salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; exceptional ability to recover from damage via runners.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; used for soil stabilization but can be highly invasive in garden beds and agricultural fields; provides minimal wildlife cover.