Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (possibly improved selection)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (dormancy triggered by frost); common in the transition zone and southern tier.
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turfgrass with a medium to fine texture. Exhibits a bright to dark green color during its active growing season, turning dormant (tan/brown) in winter. Seed heads are distinctive bird-foot shaped spikes (digitate) with 3-7 branches.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to fine width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded blades with a pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of hair; auricles are absent. Surface is slightly hairy or smooth with prominent veins.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes and stolons; exhibits high thatch-forming tendency; extremely fast establishment and rapid recovery from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Originally from Africa and Asia; well-adapted to the southern United States and tropical/subtropical regions globally.
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive growth via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above-ground), forming a dense, mat-like sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun required (at least 6-8 hours); very low shade tolerance. High drought tolerance due to deep roots; requires regular water during establishment but survives long dry spells by entering dormancy. Prefers soil pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height 1.0-2.0 inches; high frequency (once or twice weekly). Requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year. Frequent dethatching (vertical mowing) and aeration often needed; Maintenance Level: Medium to High.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and recovery speed; high salt tolerance; excellent drought resistance; highly competitive against weeds when healthy; poor shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; minimal wildlife value for food but provides cover; can be invasive in garden beds or non-target areas.