Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (likely a naturalized common variety given the leaf texture and density shown)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. High heat tolerance; goes dormant (straw-colored) below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a medium-to-fine texture. It forms a thick mat that turns brown and dormant during cold winter months but recovers quickly in heat. Seed heads are typically 3-7 finger-like spikes arranged in a whorl at the top of the culm.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Color is typically medium to dark green with a grayish tint. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a ring of short hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending up to 6 feet in some soils. High thatch-forming tendency due to aggressive stolon growth. Extremely fast establishment and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive; both Rhizomatous (underground) and Stoloniferous (above ground) spreading
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; high drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High maintenance: required weekly mowing due to fast growth; 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year. Regular dethatching and aeration required.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic/wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, and superior drought recovery. Known for crowding out most weed species but can become an invasive weed in flower beds due to rhizomes.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in the US. Provides soil stabilization for erosion control but offers limited wildlife food value. Frequently used as a monoculture turf or mixed with Ryegrass for winter overseeding.