Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. High heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures consistently drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry grass that forms a dense sod. It is gray-green to dark green in color, turning straw-colored upon the first frost. It has a medium-to-fine texture and produces distinct 'finger-like' seed heads consisting of 3-7 spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are 2-4mm wide (medium-fine), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud; the ligule is a fringe of white hairs, and auricles are absent. The collar is narrow and hairy.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system supplemented by thick rhizomes. Excellent establishment speed and high thatch-forming tendency; offers superior wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone regions globally, especially the Southern United States.
Growth Habit
Highly invasive spreading via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above-ground runners). Forms a very dense, aggressive mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established, possessing excellent drought tolerance through dormancy mechanisms.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height 1.0 to 2.0 inches for common varieties. High frequency mowing required due to fast growth. High maintenance: requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually and frequent dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, and high recuperative potential. Susceptible to Large Patch (Rhizoctonia) and Spring Dead Spot. Extremely difficult to eradicate once established.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization and erosion control. Can be invasive in gardens and native ecosystems; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color in a practice called overseeding.