Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season perennial, C4 photosynthesis
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely based on texture and upright growth shown)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 50-55°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry grass with a grey-green to dark green color. Highly dense when maintained, it turns straw-colored during winter dormancy. Seed heads are distinctive 3-7 finger-like spikes (spicate branches) arranged in a whorl.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharp pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. The blade is often hairless or only slightly hairy on the upper surface.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system with thick rhizomes. Fast establishment with high thatch accumulation; excellent drought tolerance and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; highly adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above ground), forming a dense mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); poor shade tolerance. Moderate water needs but excels in drought by going dormant; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches for common varieties; frequent mowing required (1-2 times weekly). Requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance level due to rapid growth.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, and superior drought recovery. Known for its ability to crowd out most weeds due to aggressive horizontal growth.
Ecological Information
Introduced status in the US; used for soil stabilization and carbon sequestration. Can be invasive in garden beds or non-target areas; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.