Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control, and Pasture Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Non-hybrid)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; moderate cold tolerance but enters complete dormancy when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turfgrass with a medium-to-coarse texture. It is bright to dark green during the growing season and turns golden-brown during winter dormancy. It features a high shoot density and forms a thick sod capable of self-repair.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are typically 2-4mm wide (medium coarse), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded. The ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent. The leaf surface is often sparsely hairy near the base.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes and stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; very fast establishment speed; excellent wear recovery and high drought tolerance due to depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; now naturalized worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous. Extremely aggressive spreading above and below ground to form a dense, resilient mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought-resistant. Prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height of 1.0 to 2.5 inches. Requires frequent mowing during peak summer. High nitrogen requirement (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Requires regular vertical mowing (dethatching) and aeration due to high growth rate.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance for high-traffic areas. High salt tolerance. Can become an invasive weed in ornamental beds due to aggressive rhizomes. High recovery rate from injury. Moderate disease resistance to Brown Patch and Dollar Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced in the Americas. Provides excellent soil stabilization for erosion control. Low wildlife food value but provides cover for small insects/reptiles. Considered an invasive weed in non-turf agricultural and garden settings. Often blended with Ryegrass for winter overseeding.