Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Invasive/Weed Grass in landscape beds, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance, but turns brown (dormant) when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green grass that forms a dense sod. It features wire-like stolons that creep along the surface and deep-searching rhizomes. When unmowed, it reaches 6-12 inches; seed heads are 3-7 finger-like spikes (digitate) arranged at the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped with a pointed tip. Color ranges from gray-green to dark green. Vernation is folded in the bud. The ligule is a ring of short white hairs, and auricles are absent. Distinctive long hairs are often present at the leaf base/stipule area.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system (up to 6 feet in optimal soil) combined with strong rhizomes. High thatch tendency and very fast establishment/recovery speed. Excellent drought tolerance and wear resistance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa, widely naturalized in tropical and warm temperate regions worldwide; thrives in USDA zones 7-11
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; highly aggressive with a fast rate of spread, forming a dense, low-growing mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought tolerant (enters dormancy to survive extreme drought). Prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Mowing frequency: 1-2 times per week during peak growth. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic dethatching (verticutting) and core aeration. Maintenance level: Medium to High depending on desired turf quality.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, and superior ability to crowd out weeds. Highly resistant to most pests but susceptible to Large Patch (Rhizoctonia) and Spring Dead Spot in certain conditions.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization but is often considered a noxious invasive weed in ornamental beds and non-target turf. Provides minimal wildlife value compared to native bunchgrasses; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.