Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Golf/Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a non-hybrid variety due to coarser leaf texture and high seed head production)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy below 50°F (10°C); moderate cold hardiness depending on cultivar.
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green grass with a high density. When unmowed, it produces distinctive finger-like seed heads. It turns straw-colored and goes dormant during the first frost of winter.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tips, grey-green to dark green color, folded vernation. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes; high thatch-forming tendency; very fast establishment and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates worldwide; thrives in USDA zones 7-11
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both Rhizomes (underground) and Stolons (above ground); forms a very dense, mat-like sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours minimum); high drought tolerance once established; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; low shade tolerance.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches; frequent mowing required; high nitrogen needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year); requires regular vertical mowing/dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Superior traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery; aggressive spreader that can crowd out most weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; can be invasive in gardens/flower beds; excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes; provides minimal wildlife forage compared to native bunchgrasses.