Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control, and Pasture
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appearing slightly coarser than hybrid varieties like Tifway 419)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. Exceptional heat tolerance; enters dormancy when soil temperatures drop below 55°F, losing green color until spring.
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turfgrass that provides a functional carpet-like surface. It is medium-green in color but turns a straw-colored tan during winter dormancy. It features a fine to medium texture and produces small, finger-like (digitiform) seed heads with 3 to 7 spikes when left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are typically 2-4mm wide, flat or slightly V-shaped, with pointed tips. Vernation is folded in the bud. The ligule is a fringe of white hairs, and auricles are absent. The leaf blades are often slightly hairy near the base.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. It has a high thatch-tendency due to its rapid growth rate, which contributes to excellent wear recovery and high drought tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa, widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zone regions of the United States.
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive growth; both rhizomatous (underground) and stoloniferous (above-ground) spreading habits forming a dense, durable mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours minimum); very poor shade tolerance. Moderate water needs but excellent drought resistance due to dormancy mechanisms. Prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height of 1.0 to 2.0 inches for common varieties. High maintenance: Requires frequent mowing during peak summer growth, 2-4 lbs of Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually, and regular dethatching/aeration.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, and superior ability to crowd out weeds. Highly resistant to most pests but susceptible to Large Patch (Rhizoctonia) and Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization for erosion control but can be highly invasive in flower beds or adjacent landscapes. Used in mixtures with cool-season grasses (like Ryegrass) for winter overseeding.