Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a non-hybrid or naturalized common variety based on blade width)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (enters dormancy/turns straw-colored below 50°F).
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing, medium-textured turf grass that turns brown during winter dormancy. It produces distinctive 3-7 finger-like seed heads (spikes) at the top of stems when left unmowed. It has a high density and vibrant green color in peak summer.
Blade Characteristics
Medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, tapering to a sharp point. Color is medium to dark green. Vernation is folded. Features a fringe of hairs for a ligule, no auricles, and a narrow collar with long hairs on the edge.
Root System
Deep and highly extensive; produces both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. Forms a heavy thatch layer and provides excellent wear recovery. Very fast establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; now widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive spreader forming a dense, low-growing mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours required); high drought tolerance once established. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5. Dormant during extended drought to protect crown.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High maintenance: Requires frequent mowing, 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually, and regular vertical mowing/dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent ability to crowd out weeds; very poor shade tolerance (requires direct sunlight).
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control. Can be invasive in garden beds and agricultural fields due to aggressive rhizomes.