Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course, Pasture
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely mixed with hybrid traits)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (dormancy below 50°F); survives transition zone winters with dormant brown period.
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense sod-forming grass with a medium to fine texture. It is dark green during active growth and turns tan/brown when dormant. It features prominent horizontal stolons and small, finger-like seed heads (spikes) arranged in a star pattern.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 2-4mm (medium/fine); flat or folded; pointed tips; gray-green to dark green; folded vernation. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent; collar is narrow with long hairs on the edges.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; very fast establishment speed and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; now naturalized worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreading and mat-forming
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance once established; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; moderate water needs for green appearance.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches; high mowing frequency (1-2 times weekly); high fertilization needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year); requires regular dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; rapid recovery from injury; crowds out most weeds; susceptible to Dollar Spot and Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; high soil stabilization and erosion control value; can be invasive in gardens/flower beds; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.