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 common or seeded variety given the medium texture and upright seedling growth)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; enters winter dormancy (turns brown) when soil temperatures drop below 50-55°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry, dark green grass that forms a thick, carpet-like sod. It features a medium to fine texture and is known for its aggressive growth and resilience. Seed heads are distinctive finger-like spikes (digitate) usually with 3 to 7 branches.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are generally 2-4mm wide (medium), flat or V-shaped, with a sharply pointed tip. Light to mid-green color; vernation is folded; the ligule consists of a fringe of short white hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes; highly drought-tolerant and capable of forming heavy thatch; establishes quickly from seed or sprigs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally (USDA Zones 7-11)
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; spreads rapidly via above-ground runners and underground stems to form a dense mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance but goes dormant during extreme lack of water; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrid/refined turf, up to 2.5 inches for common types; high frequency mowing (1-2 times per week); high nitrogen requirements (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year); requires periodic dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and recovery speed; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; highly invasive in garden beds due to rhizomes.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides forage for livestock; excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes; can be a difficult-to-control weed in non-target areas.