Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely un-improved or 'Arizona Common')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; enters dormancy (turns brown) when soil temperatures drop below 50-55°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry grass that forms a dense, mat-like sod. It exhibits a lime-green to dark green color, turning straw-colored during winter dormancy. Seed heads are distinctive finger-like spikes (digitiform).
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent. Stems are noticeably flat.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous roots accompanying thick rhizomes. Fast establishment with high thatch-forming tendency and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive, spreading via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above-ground runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought-tolerant.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 - 2.5 inches (common variety); frequent mowing required due to rapid growth. High nitrogen requirement (2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year). Periodic dethatching necessary.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance and salt tolerance. Highly invasive in flower beds. Recovers quickly from damage due to aggressive runners.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; can be invasive in native ecosystems. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control but can crowd out native meadow species.