Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Generic / Common Bermuda (visible signs of wider blades and high density suggested of common or early hybrid)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy below 50°F (10°C)
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing, mat-forming grass with a medium texture and deep green to gray-green color. It becomes dormant and turns straw-colored in winter.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-4mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tips, gray-green color, folded vernation, fringe of hairs for a ligule, no auricles
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes; forms heavy thatch; very fast establishment and high wear recovery
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; well-adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones globally
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (highly aggressive spreading both above and below ground)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; requires regular water for best appearance
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches height; frequent mowing (1-2 times weekly); 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; rapid recovery from injury; aggressively crowds out weeds
Ecological Information
Introduced species in Americas; provides soil stabilization for erosion; can be invasive in gardens; used in blends with rye for winter color