Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely based on texture and visible stolons)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance; enters dormant straw-brown state below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
Dense, low-growing turf with a prostrate growth habit. Features medium to fine texture with a grey-green to deep green color. Produces seed heads with 3-7 finger-like spikes (digitate) in a starburst pattern.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 1.5-4mm; flat or slightly folded; sharply pointed tip; grey-green color; folded vernation in the bud; fringe of hairs for a ligule; lack of auricles; hairy collar.
Root System
Extensive system reaching 6+ feet deep; primarily fibrous with vigorous rhizomes and stolons; high thatch tendency; fast establishment; excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely adapted to tropical and subtropical regions globally
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive mat-forming habit
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimal shade tolerance); 6-8 hours direct sun minimum; moderate watering needs; exceptional drought tolerance; prefers neutral to alkaline soil.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches for common varieties; frequent mowing required; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; high maintenance level; requires regular dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance; high salt tolerance; superior drought recovery; invasive in gardens; susceptible to Dollar Spot and Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization; can be invasive in non-turf areas; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.