Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Forage, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (shown with characteristic stolons and spreading habit)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy when soil temperatures drop below 50-55°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turfgrass that spreads horizontally via above-ground stolons and underground rhizomes. Known for its medium-to-fine texture and deep green color in summer, turning dormant and tan in winter.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), dark green, flat or V-shaped with a pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Features a fringe of hairs for a ligule and small or absent auricles with a hairy collar.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both rhizomes and stolons. Known for producing thatch and having high drought resistance and recuperative speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; aggressive, high-density, mat-forming spreader
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); very high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
High maintenance; mowing height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches; requires frequent mowing and high nitrogen fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually).
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; best for high-traffic areas like sports fields and golf fairways.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in garden beds; often overseeded with Ryegrass for winter color.