Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, and occasionally Invasive/Weed
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (naturalized/unimproved type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; enters winter dormancy and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
Dense, mat-forming growth with a wiry texture. When unmowed, it produces finger-like (digitate) seed heads consisting of 3 to 7 spikes. Color is typically medium to dark green during growth, turning straw-colored in winter dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tips, gray-green to dark green color. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. The collar often has long hairs on the edges.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch-forming tendency and very fast establishment. Excellent wear recovery due to spreading stolons.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including the southern United States
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (highly aggressive spreading via both underground and above-ground runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours). High drought tolerance once established but prefers regular watering for green color. Adapts to wide range of soil pH (5.5-7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 1.0-2.0 inches for common types. High frequency mowing required during peak summer. Medium to High maintenance; requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year. Frequent dethatching recommended.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, and high drought recovery. Poor shade tolerance. Highly effective at crowding out most weeds once a dense mat is established.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Used for erosion control and soil stabilization. Provides moderate cover for small wildlife but can be invasive in gardens and native ecosystems due to aggressive runners.