Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
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 slightly coarser texture and visible seed heads)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance, poor cold tolerance, enters full dormancy when soil temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a dark green to gray-green color. It forms a thick carpet that goes dormant (brown) in winter. Seed heads are digital (finger-like) spikes appearing in groups of 3 to 7.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent. The leaf sheath is usually compressed.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. High thatch-forming tendency and very fast establishment/recovery speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Asia; well-adapted to the Southern United States and tropical/subtropical regions globally.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive mat-forming growth habit with rapid spreading speed.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours direct light); low shade tolerance. Moderate water needs with very high drought tolerance; thrives in well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High frequency mowing required during peak growth. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; superior drought recovery; can be invasive in garden beds due to aggressive rhizomes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; low wildlife food value but provides cover; often competes with native grasses.