Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (shows classic winter dormancy straw-coloration)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10, highly sensitive to cold with winter dormancy starting below 50°F, excellent heat tolerance
About This Grass
Forms a very dense, fine to medium-textured turf that turns straw-brown completely during winter dormancy as seen in the image, and turns vibrant green during active summer growth; reaches heights of 2-6 inches if unmowed
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium blades (2-3mm width), grayish-green to light green during active growth, flat shape, pointed tips, folded in the bud (vernation), with a hairy ligule and absent auricles
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive stolons and rhizomes, moderate to rapid establishment speed, excellent drought tolerance due to depth, and strong wear recovery via aggressive lateral spreading
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide; widely cultivated in the southern United States and transition zones
Growth Habit
Aggressive combination of both stoloniferous (above ground) and rhizomatous (below ground) spreading, forming a dense mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours direct sunlight), moderate watering needs, excellent drought tolerance through dormancy, thrives in high heat and well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0-7.0
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height of 1.0 to 2.0 inches, frequent mowing required during peak growing season, high fertilizer requirement (3-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually), frequent dethatching due to aggressive matting, medium-high maintenance level
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear recovery, high drought and heat tolerance, goes dormant and turns brown in winter (as pictured), good salt tolerance, aggressive weed-crowding ability
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America, highly effective for erosion control on slopes, provides moderate wildlife value, occasionally can become an invasive weed in agricultural settings or garden beds