Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (unimproved)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green grass that forms a dense sod. In its unmowed state, it produces seed heads that look like a bird's foot with 3-7 spikes. It turns a golden-tan color during winter dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped with a pointed tip. Gray-green color with a matte texture. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent; vernation is folded.
Root System
Deep root system often extending over 6 inches (up to 4 feet in sand), highly rhizomatous. Noted for high thatch production and excellent drought tolerance and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions globally (USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10)
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreading habit forming a dense, mat-like sod via above-ground runners and underground stems
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; thrives in well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 - 2.5 inches for common varieties. High frequency during peak summer. Requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually. Medium to High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and traffic recovery; high salt tolerance; excellent drought resistance. Considered a persistent weed in ornamental garden beds due to aggressive rhizomes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion-prone slopes. Low wildlife value compared to native bunchgrasses; can be invasive in disturbed habitats.