Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common or Hybrid (e.g., Tifway 419)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance. Enters complete dormancy (turns tan/brown) when temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing sod-forming grass with a medium to fine texture. It turns brown/dormant in winter and vibrant green during peak summer heat. Maintaned at low heights, it forms a carpet-like mat. Seed heads are distinctive finger-like spikes (4-5) arranged like a bird's foot.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-3mm), flat or slightly folded, with a pointed tip. Color ranges from light to deep green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a ring of short white hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system (up to 6 feet deep) with thick rhizomes. High thatch-forming tendency and very fast establishment speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa and Asia; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive; both Rhizomatous (underground) and Stoloniferous (above ground) runners
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very low shade tolerance. High heat and drought tolerance. Requires deep, infrequent watering once established. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height: 0.5-1.5 inches. High frequency (1-2 times per week). High fertilization needs (2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually). Frequent dethatching and aeration required. Maintenance level: High.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and recovery speed. High salt tolerance. Excellent for crowding out weeds. Susceptible to Large Patch and Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Rapidly stabilizes soil to prevent erosion. Can be invasive in gardens or sensitive ecosystems. Frequently blended with Ryegrass for winter color (overseeding).