Bermuda Grass (dormant in winter)
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. Exhibits complete winter dormancy (turning tan/brown) when temperatures drop below 50°F and greens up rapidly in spring as soil temperatures warm.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or hybrid like 'Tifway' (showing natural winter dormancy)
About This Grass
Exhibits a fine to medium texture when actively growing, forming a dense turf mat. In the provided image, the turf is completely straw-brown due to winter dormancy triggered by cold temperatures, a typical survival mechanism for warm-season grasses. Height is very low when maintained as a lawn.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are fine to medium in width (2-4mm), flat, tapering to a pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Features a fringe of hairs in place of a distinct membranous ligule, and small or absent auricles.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive underground rhizomes and surface stolons. Moderate to high thatch-forming tendency under high nitrogen management. Establishes quickly from sod or seed and recovers exceptionally well from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide; widely cultivated across the southern United States and transition zones.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, tight mat or sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (poor shade tolerance). High drought tolerance via dormancy, but requires moderate watering for optimal green growth. Prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is low (0.75 to 1.5 inches) using a reel or sharp rotary mower. High maintenance level during the growing season requiring frequent mowing, moderate to high fertilization (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually), and regular dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance making it ideal for sports fields and high-use lawns. Excellent drought and heat tolerance, good salt tolerance, and aggressive growth habit helps it naturally crowd out weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced to many parts of the world for turf and forage. Excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes due to its dense network of stolons and rhizomes. Provides limited wildlife habitat when tightly mowed.