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 (unimproved wild-type characteristics, or standard lawn blends)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10 (and warmer parts of Zone 6). Excellent heat and drought tolerance, but has poor cold tolerance, entering complete dormancy when temperatures drop consistently below 50°F. Well-suited for the southern transition zone.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, fine-to-medium textured turf with an aggressive spreading habit. It exhibits a bright to medium green color during the active growing season, but quickly turns straw-brown and enters complete winter dormancy upon the first hard frosts. When unmowed, it can reach heights of 6 to 12 inches with slender, digitated seed heads featuring 3 to 7 spikes arranged in a cluster at the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are short, fine to medium in width (2-4mm), flat, with pointed tips and rough margins. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent. The collar is continuous and narrow.
Root System
Deep, aggressive fibrous root system that can reach depths of several feet in favorable soils. Moderate to high thatch-forming tendency under high maintenance. Establishes rapidly from seed, sprigs, or sod, providing excellent drought tolerance and fast wear recovery via its underground rhizomes and surface stolons.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World (Africa and Asia); widely naturalized and cultivated globally in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate zones.
Growth Habit
Aggressive spreader utilizing both stolons (above-ground runners) and rhizomes (underground stems); forms an extremely dense, tight sod and mat-making turf.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) and has poor shade tolerance. Moderate to high drought tolerance due to deep roots and ability to go dormant during severe dry spells; requires regular watering for optimal green color and growth. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is low, ranging from 0.75 to 1.5 inches for home lawns (even lower on golf course greens). Requires frequent mowing during peak growing season (every 4-7 days). High fertilization requirement for peak performance (3-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Requires regular dethatching and core aeration due to rapid thatch buildup. Medium-high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance with rapid recuperative ability, making it ideal for athletic fields, golf courses, and high-use home lawns. Good salt tolerance and drought recovery. Poor shade tolerance. Can become weedy in flower beds due to aggressive spreading rhizomes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes and banks due to its dense mat-forming roots and runners. Offers limited wildlife value compared to native prairie grasses, but serves as a durable ground cover. Can exhibit invasive tendencies in agricultural settings or garden beds bordering turf areas.