Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely a seeded variety)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns tan/brown after first hard frost; poor shade tolerance.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a gray-green to dark green color. It exhibits a vigorous lateral spreading habit. Seed heads are distinctive bird-foot-shaped spikes (3-7 spikes) at the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-3mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tips, gray-green color, folded vernation. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent; collar is narrow and hairy at the edges.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. Forms a heavy thatch layer; extremely fast establishment and high wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive mat-forming growth
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance due to deep roots; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches height; frequent mowing (1-2 times weekly); high fertility needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year); requires regular dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; superior drought recovery; susceptible to Large Patch and Spring Dead Spot; can be invasive in garden beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; moderate wildlife value for forage; can be invasive in non-managed ecosystems.