Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass; highly successful in the transition zone and warm climates.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (unimproved wild type or standard seeded varieties like 'Riviera' or 'Princess 77')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10 (can survive in Zone 6 with cold-hardy cultivars). Excellent heat tolerance and active growth in high temperatures.
About This Grass
Forms a very dense, fine-to-medium textured, bright green turf that spreads rapidly. Unmowed, it can reach heights of 4 to 15 inches. Exhibits rapid recovery from damage and turns straw-brown upon entering winter dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium blades (2-3 mm wide), flat or folded, with sharply pointed tips. Light to medium gray-green color. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep root system (up to 6 feet in optimal conditions), highly fibrous with extensive underground rhizomes and surface stolons. Forms a tight, dense sod that resists drought and heavy traffic.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide; widely naturalized and cultivated globally in warm climates.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, durable mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun required (poor shade tolerance, requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sun). High drought tolerance via entering dormancy, but needs regular water for lush growth. Prefers well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Low to medium-high maintenance depending on usage. Mowing height ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Requires frequent mowing during peak growing season due to rapid growth. Moderate to high nitrogen fertilizer needs.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance with rapid recuperative ability. Good salt tolerance, highly effective for erosion control, and aggressive enough to crowd out many weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced in many parts of the world, providing good ground cover and soil stabilization. Often considered invasive when it creeps into neighboring flower beds or cool-season lawns.