Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Erosion Control, Invasive/Weed
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Non-hybrid)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy below 50°F (10°C); moderate cold tolerance with risk of winter kill in Zone 6.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry grass with a dense, spreading habit. Color is typically grey-green to dark green. It produces finger-like (digitate) seed heads consisting of 3 to 7 spikes on a single stem. It goes dormant into a light tan color in winter.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-3mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tips, grey-green color. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both rhizomes and stolons; very low thatch tendency in common varieties; fast establishment speed; creates a dense, durable sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Asia; well-adapted throughout southern United States and transition zones
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; highly aggressive mat-forming spreader
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours minimum), high drought tolerance once established, prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 to 2.5 inches for common varieties; frequent mowing needed during peak summer growth; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance potential due to aggressive spreading into flower beds.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; rapid recovery from drought or physical damage.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; can be invasive in disturbed areas or gardens; excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control; provides limited cover for small wildlife.