Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. Excellent heat tolerance, poor cold tolerance (dormant below 50°F and turns brown upon frost).
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or hybrid varieties like 'Tifway 419'
About This Grass
Forms a dense, fine-to-medium textured turf with a vibrant green color during active growth. Can grow up to 6-12 inches if unmowed, but maintained as a low carpet at 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Goes dormant and turns straw-brown with the first heavy frost.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium blades (2-3 mm wide), flat or slightly folded, with pointed tips and a grayish-green to medium green color. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, auricles are absent, and the collar is continuous.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending several feet into the soil, coupled with aggressive stolons and rhizomes. Fast establishment from seed, sod, or plugs. High drought tolerance and exceptional wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide; widely naturalized and cultivated in warm temperate to tropical climates globally.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a very dense, tight sod and mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight). Moderate to high drought tolerance once established by entering dormancy during severe dry spells. Prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 0.5 to 1.5 inches using a reel or sharp rotary mower. High maintenance level requiring frequent mowing during peak growing season, regular fertilization (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually), and periodic dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance making it ideal for sports fields and high-use lawns. Good salt tolerance and rapid recuperative ability from damage. Does not tolerate shade well.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides erosion control and stabilizes soil effectively due to its dense network of roots and runners. Can become an invasive weed in agricultural fields or flower beds due to aggressive spreading.