Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Sports Turf and Lawn Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or Hybrid Turf-type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns tan/brown after the first hard frost.
About This Grass
High-density, mat-forming grass with a grey-green to deep green color. Forms a resilient sod capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic on sports fields. Seed heads are distinctive 3-7 finger-like spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or folded, with a pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system combined with extensive rhizomes and stolons; moderate to high thatch tendency; fast establishment from sprigs or sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (vigorous spreading above and below ground).
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6+ hours); high drought tolerance once established; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 - 2.5 inches for sports fields; frequent mowing required during peak summer; requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and recovery speed; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; excellent for erosion control and athletic fields.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; provides soil stabilization for high-traffic areas; can be invasive in garden beds; often overseeded with Perennial Ryegrass in winter.