Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10, with good heat tolerance and moderate cold tolerance, going dormant and turning brown when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
About This Grass
Forms a very dense, low-growing turf with fine to medium texture. Color ranges from gray-green to bright green during active growth, turning straw-brown upon entering winter dormancy. Unmowed height can reach 6 to 12 inches, but it is typically maintained very low. Seed heads feature 3 to 7 slender spikes radiating from a single point.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are fine to medium in width (2-3mm), flat, with pointed tips and a grayish-green color. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep root system reaching down several feet, highly fibrous with extensive rhizomes and stolons. Moderate to high thatch-forming tendency under high maintenance, establishes rapidly from seed, sprigs, or sod, and recovers exceptionally well from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa, widely naturalized and cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, performs best in southern U.S. and transition zones.
Growth Habit
Aggressive, spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, durable turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 8 hours of direct sunlight) and cannot tolerate heavy shade. High drought tolerance through summer dormancy, but requires regular moisture for optimum green color and quality. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Requires frequent mowing during peak growing season due to rapid vertical and horizontal growth. High fertilization needs (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year) for optimal performance. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, excellent drought recovery, high salt tolerance, poor shade tolerance, highly effective at crowding out weeds and controlling erosion.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America, provides limited wildlife value compared to native grasses but offers excellent soil stabilization, dust suppression, and water filtration due to its dense root mat.