Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (indicated by medium-coarse texture and visible stolon thickness)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. High heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 50°F (as seen in image).
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing mat-forming grass. In this image, it is seen in a state of winter dormancy or stress, showing straw-colored brown blades with interspersed green sprigs. Seed heads are typically 3-7 finger-like spikes (digitate) on a single stalk.
Blade Characteristics
Medium-coarse width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, pointed tips, gray-green to dark green color, folded vernation, fringe of hairs for a ligule, and no auricles.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; rapid establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (highly aggressive spreading habit)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8+ hours), high drought tolerance, prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0. Very poor shade tolerance.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 - 2.0 inches for common varieties; frequent mowing required during peak summer. High fertilization needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Requires periodic dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; exceptional drought recovery; highly invasive in garden beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization but can be invasive to native ecosystems. Useful for livestock forage in southern regions.