Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a non-hybrid variety due to coarser leaf texture)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, spreading grass with a medium-to-fine texture. It is medium green in color during the growing season and turns a tan/brown straw color during winter dormancy. It forms a thick sod and produces seed heads that look like a bird's foot (terminal spikes).
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium (approx. 2-3mm), flat, with a sharply pointed tip. Color is a bright to medium green with a grayish tint. Vernation is folded in the bud; the ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent. The leaf surface often has sparse hairs near the base.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch-forming tendency; very fast establishment speed and excellent drought recovery once established.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Southern Europe; widely adapted to the Southern United States and tropical/subtropical regions globally.
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive growth via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above ground), forming a very dense, traffic-resistant mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate watering needs once established; high drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Requires frequent mowing (1-2 times per week). High fertilization needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Frequent dethatching (verticutting) and annual aeration recommended.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent ability to crowd out weeds; rapid recovery from injury. Susceptible to 'Spring Dead Spot' and 'Large Patch' fungus.
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization on slopes/banks. Can be highly invasive in garden beds and areas where it is not intended. Often used in mixes with Ryegrass for winter color (overseeding).