Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Invasive/Weed Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely wild-type or 'Arizona Common' based on sparse, coarse growth in sand)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy (turns tan/brown) when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green grass that spreads aggressively. In the image, it is shown in a sparse, developmental state on sandy soil, exhibiting long stolons reaching across the surface. When mature, it forms a thick sod. Seed heads are 3-7 finger-like spikes (digitate) on a single stalk.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a pointed tip. Color is typically a medium to dark gray-green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent; the collar is narrow and may have long hairs on the margins.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system coupled with robust rhizomes. This allows for excellent drought recovery and high wear tolerance. It has a high thatch-forming tendency due to the density of stolons.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely naturalized globally in tropical and subtropical regions; best in USDA zones 7-11
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreader that forms a dense mat via above-ground runners and underground stems
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours minimum); high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil (thrives even in the sand shown); pH 6.0-7.0 preferred.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 1.0-2.0 inches for common varieties; high frequency mowing required during peak summer; requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance for lawn quality.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; rapid recovery from injury; considered a difficult-to-control weed in ornamental beds due to deep rhizomes.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; low wildlife value for food but provides cover for small insects; can be invasive in non-turf areas; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.