Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Non-hybrid)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy below 50°F; moderate cold hardiness but susceptible to winter kill in northern transition zones.
About This Grass
A low-growing, aggressive perennial that creates a thick, fine-to-medium textured sod. It turns straw-brown when dormant in winter. Seed heads are digital (finger-like) spikes arranged in a star pattern.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a distinctive sharp pointed tip. Color ranges from light to dark gray-green. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive underground rhizomes and surface stolons. Forms heavy thatch; very fast establishment and high wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Asia; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones globally
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (highly aggressive spreading habit forming a dense mat)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; low shade tolerance.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches for common varieties; frequent mowing required; high fertilization needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft); high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, excellent drought recovery, and strong ability to crowd out most weeds through dense growth.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in gardens/flower beds; used in mixed pastures with legumes.