Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or hybrid cultivars like 'Tifway'
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10, with good heat tolerance and moderate cold tolerance (dormant below freezing).
About This Grass
Forms a dense, fine-to-medium textured turf with a vibrant green color during the growing season; goes completely dormant and turns brown with the first hard frosts; height ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 inches when maintained.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat, with pointed tips, folded vernation in the bud, grayish-green to medium green color, distinct veins, and a membranous ligule with a fringe of hairs.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending up to several feet into the soil, highly drought-resistant, establishes rapidly from seed or sod, tends to form moderate thatch, and provides exceptional wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons and rhizomes, forms a dense, tight mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun required (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight); moderate to high drought tolerance once established, going dormant under extreme drought; prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow frequently at a low height of 0.75 to 1.5 inches; high fertilization requirements (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year); requires regular dethatching and aeration; high overall maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance, excellent drought recovery, good salt tolerance, zero shade tolerance, aggressive weed-crowding ability, ideal for home lawns, sports fields, and golf courses.
Ecological Information
Introduced in many parts of the world, provides good soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes, low wildlife value for food but offers cover, can exhibit invasive tendencies in agricultural or non-turf settings.