Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. Excellent heat tolerance, poor shade tolerance, goes completely dormant and turns brown during winter frosts.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, low-growing turf with a medium-fine texture. It features flat, grayish-green to bright green leaves and produces digitate (finger-like) seed heads with 3 to 7 spikes radiating from a single point at maturity. Height ranges from short when maintained to 6-12 inches if unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-fine (2-3 mm wide), flat, with pointed tips and a grayish-green color. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent. The collar region is continuous with hairs.
Root System
Deeply rooted fibrous root system combined with aggressive rhizomes and stolons. Moderate to high thatch-forming tendency under high maintenance. Establishes quickly from seed, sprigs, or sod and exhibits excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide; widely naturalized and cultivated in southern regions and the transition zone of the United States
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, durable mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Moderate to high drought tolerance due to deep roots, entering dormancy during prolonged droughts. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Requires frequent mowing during peak growing season due to rapid growth. High fertilizer requirements (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). High overall maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear recovery making it ideal for sports fields and golf courses. Good salt tolerance, drought recovery, and weed-crowding ability. Poor shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to its extensive mat. Can act as an invasive weed in agricultural fields and flower beds outside of turf areas.