Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a non-hybrid variety based on height and texture)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; enters dormancy when temperatures drop below 50°F; moderate cold tolerance for a warm-season grass.
About This Grass
A low-growing, durable grass with a medium to fine texture. It is medium green in color, turning straw-brown during winter dormancy. If left unmowed, it produces slender, finger-like (digitate) seed heads consisting of 3-7 spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium width (2-4mm), flat or folded, and tapering to a pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. The ligule is a ring of short hairs, and auricles are absent. The leaf blades are often sparsely hairy on the upper surface.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system supplemented by underground rhizomes and surface stolons. Low thatch tendency compared to hybrids, but very fast establishment speed. Excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Europe; widely adapted to tropical and subtropical climates worldwide, including the Southern United States.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and rhizomatous; highly aggressive spreader forming a dense, mat-like sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (requires 6-8 hours minimum); poor shade tolerance. Drought tolerant once established, but requires frequent watering during peak heat to maintain green color. Prefers well-drained soil, pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 1.0-2.5 inches for common varieties. High frequency mowing (weekly). Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. Low to Medium maintenance level depending on desired turf quality.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, and high drought recovery through rhizome regeneration. Susceptible to Large Patch and Dollar Spot. Highly competitive against most weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Highly invasive in flower beds or native habitats. Provides soil stabilization for high-erosion areas. Often grown with clover (as seen in the image) in low-input pasture settings.