Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass. Performs exceptionally well in transition zones and southern regions.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (or similar wild-type/unimproved selections), known for high adaptability and aggressive spreading.
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance, poor shade tolerance, goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, fine-to-medium textured turf with a vibrant green color during active growth. Can grow up to 6-12 inches if left unmowed, but maintained as a low-profile lawn. Turns straw-colored or brown during winter dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are fine to medium in width (2-3mm), flat, with pointed tips and a grayish-green to blue-green color. Rolled in the bud (vernation). Ligule is a fringe of hairs, auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes and stolons. Moderate to high thatch tendency under high nitrogen, fast establishment from seed or vegetative plugs, excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, now naturalized worldwide in warm climates.
Growth Habit
Aggressive, spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a very dense, tight mat or sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight). High drought tolerance via dormancy, but needs regular water for optimal green color. Prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Requires frequent mowing during peak growing season. High fertilizer needs (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). High maintenance level overall.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance with rapid recuperative ability. Good salt tolerance. Excellent for home lawns, athletic fields, and golf course fairways/tees.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to dense root mat. Can be invasive in flower beds or gardens due to aggressive stolon and rhizome spread.