Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely 'Arizona Common' or similar based on visible seed head stalks and coarse growth habit)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry grass that forms a durable sod. It has a medium-to-coarse texture in common varieties, with a light-to-mid green color that turns tan/brown during winter dormancy. It produces distinctive seed heads on tall stalks that branch into 3-7 finger-like spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are 2-4mm wide, flat, and taper to a pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. The ligule is a fringe of white hairs, and auricles are absent. The leaf surface is often sparsely hairy.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both subsurface rhizomes and surface stolons. Forms heavy thatch and has excellent drought recovery and wear tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreading habit forming a dense, low-growing mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); extremely low shade tolerance. High drought tolerance once established; prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended mowing height is 1.0 to 2.5 inches for common varieties. High maintenance: requires frequent mowing and high nitrogen fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually) during the growing season.
Special Characteristics
High traffic/wear tolerance, salt tolerant, rapid recovery from damage, and excellent ability to crowd out weeds in full sun.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in gardens or ornamental beds due to aggressive rhizomes.