Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a non-hybrid variety based on coarse texture)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance. Goes dormant and turns brown below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
Low-growing, wiry grass that forms a thick mat. Turns straw-brown during winter dormancy as seen in parts of the image. Seed heads are digital (finger-like) spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Medium-coarse (approx. 2-4mm), flat with a sharp pointed tip. Gray-green to dark green. Folded vernation in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system. High thatch-forming tendency. Fast establishment via runners. High wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; well-adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive; both Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; forms a very dense sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours). High drought tolerance; enters dormancy to survive dry spells. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 to 2.0 inches height. Mowed frequently. Needs 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year. High maintenance; requires regular dethatching/aeration.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance and salt tolerance. Poor shade tolerance. Highly invasive in flower beds. Recovers quickly from damage.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in the Americas. High soil stabilization value for erosion. Can be invasive in non-turf areas. Often overseeded with Ryegrass in winter.