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 (unidentified wild-type or common variety)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry perennial grass that forms a tough, deep-rooted sod. It is medium to dark green in color, turning straw-colored during winter dormancy. Unmowed, it reachable 6-12 inches; seed heads are 3-7 finger-like spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tip, gray-green to dark green. Vernation is folded; the ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. Long hairs are often visible at the leaf base/collar region.
Root System
Deep and extensive root system with both rhizomes and stolons; moderate to high thatch tendency; fast establishment; excellent drought tolerance and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and rhizomatous; highly aggressive spreader forming a dense, mat-like sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); moderate water needs but highly drought-tolerant; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches; frequent mowing required during peak growth; fertilization 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; requires regular dethatching and aeration; High maintenance for premium turf.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; exceptional ability to crowd out weeds and recover from injury via stolons.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in gardens and non-target areas; common companion with Ryegrass for winter overseeding.