Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, Invasive/Weed Grass (in cool climates)
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon). Unlike fine-textured hybrids, this variety is characterized by broader blades, a more open canopy, and a lighter green color.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance, turning dormant (straw-colored) when temperatures drop below 50-60°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry perennial that produces a coarse to medium-textured turf. It remains dormant and brown in winter. When unmowed, it produces tall stalks tipped with finger-like seed heads (spikes) arranged in a star pattern.
Blade Characteristics
Medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharp-pointed tip. Color is typically light to medium green. Vernation is folded in the bud; the ligule is a fringe of short white hairs; auricles are absent, but the collar is hairy.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. It has high thatch-forming tendencies and exceptional establishment speed due to its spreading stems.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Asia; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone regions of the United States.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and stoloniferous; aggressive and fast-spreading, forming a dense, resilient mat that can crowd out other vegetation.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun required (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low watering needs once established; highly drought-tolerant but will enter dormancy during prolonged dry periods.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 1.0–2.0 inches for common varieties. High frequency during peak summer growth. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year. High maintenance due to rapid growth and dethatching needs.
Special Characteristics
Superior wear and traffic tolerance; excellent salt tolerance; high ability to recover from damage via stolons; resistant to many pests but susceptible to Large Patch and Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced status in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control. Can be invasive in gardens/flower beds. Often mixed with Ryegrass for winter color (overseeding).