Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10, with some cold-hardy cultivars extending into lower Zone 6. Excellent heat tolerance and goes dormant (turns brown) during cold winter months.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, low-growing turf with a medium-fine texture and bright green to grayish-green color. Mowed height is typically 0.5 to 1.5 inches, but can grow up to 6-12 inches if left unmowed. Features distinctive digitate seed heads with 3-7 slender spikes radiating from a single point.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-fine (2-3mm wide), flat, tapering to a pointed tip, grayish-green to light green in color. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending several feet into the soil, supplemented by extensive stolons and rhizomes. Fast establishment from seed, sod, or sprigs, creating moderate to high thatch and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa, widely naturalized in tropical and warm temperate regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, durable turf mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight). High drought tolerance via entering dormancy during severe dry spells. Prefers well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow frequently at 0.5 to 1.5 inches using sharp blades. High fertilization needs during the active growing season (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Requires regular dethatching and aeration due to rapid horizontal growth. Maintenance level is Medium to High.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and rapid recovery, making it ideal for sports fields and high-traffic lawns. Good salt tolerance, fair drought recovery, but poor shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America, highly effective for erosion control and soil stabilization. Can act as an aggressive weed in flower beds and cool-season lawns due to its invasive stoloniferous spread.