Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10, tolerates the southern portion of the Transition Zone. Excellent heat tolerance, poor shade tolerance, and goes dormant and turns brown with the first hard frost.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda
About This Grass
Forms a dense, tough turf with a fine to medium-fine texture. Spreads rapidly to form a tight mat. Height ranges from 0.5 to 2 inches when maintained, but can grow up to 6-12 inches if unmowed. Color is grayish-green to dark green, turning brown and dormant during cold winter months.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium blades (2-3 mm wide), flat or folded, with pointed tips. Rolled in the bud (vernation). Ligule is a fringe of hairs. Collar is continuous with distinct hairy auricles or a hairy ring.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system that can reach depths of 6 feet or more in favorable soils. Fast establishment from seed, stolons, or plugs. Excellent drought tolerance and exceptional wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa, widely naturalized in tropical and warm temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Aggressive spreader utilizing both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight). Moderate watering needs once established; highly drought-tolerant by entering dormancy during severe dry spells. Thrives in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 0.5 to 1.5 inches using a reel or sharp rotary mower. Requires frequent mowing during the active growing season. High fertilization needs for optimal color and density (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). High maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance, rapid recovery from damage, good salt tolerance, excellent for athletic fields and golf courses, but can be an aggressive weed in flower beds due to its spreading stolons and rhizomes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes. High value for livestock grazing in pastures, but can be invasive in native ecosystems and agricultural fields.