Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely mixed or hybrid transition variety)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (goes dormant below 50-60°F soil temp).
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a fine to medium texture. It exhibits a deep green color during the growing season and turns straw-colored (tan) when dormant. Seed heads are distinctive bird-foot-like spikes (3-5 spikes).
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is fine to medium (1.5-3mm). Blades are flat or slightly folded with a pointed tip. Color ranges from light to dark green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule consists of a fringe of short white hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Extensive and relatively deep fibrous system combined with shallow rhizomes. High thatch tendency due to rapid growth. Fast establishment speed from sprigs, sod, or seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; well-adapted to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including the Southern United States and Transition Zone.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive, low-growing, mat-forming spreader with rapid recovery rate.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance due to dormancy mechanism; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; moderate water needs to stay green.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 0.5 to 1.5 inches; high frequency (weekly or more); fertilization 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year; high maintenance level requiring frequent dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance; high salt tolerance; high drought recovery; poor shade tolerance; aggressive enough to crowd out most weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized (invasive in some contexts); provides cover for small fauna; excellent for erosion control on slopes; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.