Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course, and Pasture Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or Hybrid (likely 'Tifway 419' or similar based on density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance, enters dormancy below 50-55°F soil temperatures.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a fine to medium texture. It forms a thick, wiry mat and turns straw-colored during winter dormancy. Seed heads are distinctive finger-like spikes (digitate) arranged in a star pattern.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-3mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, pointed tips, gray-green to dark green color. Folded vernation in the bud, fringe of hairs for a ligule, and no auricles.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous roots with aggressive underground rhizomes. High thatch tendency, fast establishment, and excellent drought avoidance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (highly aggressive spreading habit)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6+ hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought tolerant.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches recommended height; high frequency mowing required during peak summer. 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and recovery speed; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; excellent for erosion control and high-traffic sports fields.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US; provides soil stabilization; can be invasive in gardens and ornamental beds; often blended with Ryegrass for winter overseeding.