Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (likely hybrid based on density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. High heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing mat-forming grass with fine to medium texture. It maintains a medium-to-dark green color during active growth but turns straw-colored and dormant after the first frost. Seed heads are distinctive finger-like spikes (digitate) in groups of 3 to 7.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. Typically has sparse hairs on the leaf margins and collar region.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes and stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; very fast establishment speed and excellent recovery from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa and Asia; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (highly invasive spreading above and below ground)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours minimum); poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs; excellent drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrids, up to 2.5 inches for common types. Frequent mowing required (1-2 times weekly). Requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic/wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, and high recuperative potential. Susceptible to Large Patch and Spring Dead Spot; excellent at crowding out most weeds once established.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides excellent soil stabilization. Can be highly invasive in flower beds or non-target areas. Often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.