Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10, tolerates high heat and humidity well, but goes dormant below 50°F.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, low-growing turf with a fine to medium texture. Color is a bright gray-green or medium green, turning straw-colored and going dormant during winter frost. Spreads rapidly to form a tightly knit mat.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are flat, short, pointed at the tips, medium-width (2-3mm), grayish-green, with rolled vernation in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes and stolons. Establishes rapidly from seed, sprigs, or sod, offering excellent drought and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and rhizomatous, spreading aggressively via both above-ground stolons and underground rhizomes
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight). High drought tolerance once established, going dormant during extreme dry spells. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height range from 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Requires frequent mowing during the active growing season. High fertilizer requirements for optimal appearance. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, excellent recovery from damage, good salt tolerance, highly competitive against weeds, but has poor shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control, though can behave invasively in agricultural and garden settings if not contained.