Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a non-hybrid variety based on leaf width and medium density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance; enters dormant straw-colored state below 50-60°F soil temperatures.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing, mat-forming perennial grass that is light to dark green. It reaches 6-12 inches if unmowed, producing characteristic 'bird's foot' seed heads with 3-7 spikes. It browns and goes dormant in winter.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, sharply pointed tips. Color is medium to dark green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of short hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes and stolons; high thatch tendency; very fast establishment speed; excellent drought tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (very aggressive spreading)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8+ hours); high drought tolerance once established; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; needs moderate watering to maintain green color in peak heat.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5-1.5 inches; high frequency (weekly or more); 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft/year; high maintenance due to rapid growth and thatch buildup requiring vertical mowing.
Special Characteristics
Superior wear/traffic tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery; poor shade tolerance; very effective at crowding out weeds if healthy.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in Americas; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in garden beds; low wildlife value compared to native bunchgrasses.