Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season perennial; C4 carbon fixation pathway
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Invasive Weed
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (likely wild-type or 'Uncommon' variety)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
Low-growing, dense, mat-forming grass. Gray-green to dark green color, turning straw-colored during winter dormancy. Inflorescence is a finger-like arrangement of 3-7 spikes.
Blade Characteristics
1.5-4mm wide, flat or slightly folded, pointed tip, light to dark green, folded vernation, fringe of hairs at the ligule, no auricles.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system reaching up to 6 feet; highly invasive thick rhizomes; rapid establishment and high thatch tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; naturalized globally in tropical and subtropical regions
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive; both rhizomatous (underground) and stoloniferous (above ground)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (8+ hours); drought-tolerant but needs water to stay green; prefers well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 0.5-2.0 inches; frequent mowing; high fertilization (2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year); medium to high maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, poor shade tolerance, excellent drought recovery, susceptible to Dollar Spot and Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Invasive in many regions; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; poor wildlife nesting value due to density; often crowds out native species.