Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely mixed with some hybrid traits, identified by texture and visible dormant stolons)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Excellent heat and salt tolerance. Goes dormant (turns brown) when soil temperatures drop below 50-55°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry, dark green grass that forms a very dense sod. It turns straw-colored or brown during winter latency. In the image, visible stolons and a slightly thinned canopy with some thatch/dormant material are evident.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, with a pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Color is medium to dark green. Ligule is a ring of short hairs; auricles are absent. Visible prominent veins on the leaf surface.
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous root system (up to 6 feet in some soils), highly rhizomatous. Fast establishment but high thatch-forming tendency. Excellent wear recovery due to aggressive spreading.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide (US zones 7-11)
Growth Habit
Highly invasive and spreading via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above ground); forms a dense, aggressive mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; exceptional drought tolerance.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 to 2.5 inches height; frequent mowing required during peak summer growth. High fertilization needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft). Requires regular dethatching and aeration. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance. Resistant to most diseases but susceptible to Spring Dead Spot. High salt tolerance. Recovers quickly from damage via stolon creeping.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization but can be highly invasive in gardens and non-turf areas. Low wildlife value except for some insects and cover.