Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; moderate cold tolerance (goes dormant below 50°F).
About This Grass
A low-growing, creeping grass that forms a dense sod. It is medium to dark green during the growing season, turning straw-brown during winter dormancy. Unmowed, it produces finger-like spiked seed heads (4-6 spikes).
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is fine to medium (2-4mm); blades are flat with a pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule consists of a fringe of white hairs. Auricles are absent. The collar is narrow and features long hairs on the edges.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (can reach 6+ feet) complemented by extensive rhizomes. High thatch tendency; fast establishment; excellent drought tolerance and rapid wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally.
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive growth habit using both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above ground) to form a dense, thick mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; high drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soil, pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 1.0-2.0 inches for common varieties. High mowing frequency (weekly). Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic dethatching and aeration. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance for sports/traffic; high salt tolerance; excellent ability to crowd out weeds; rapid recovery from injury via stoloniferous spread.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized (invasive in some areas due to aggressive spread). Provides soil stabilization/erosion control. Low wildlife food value but provides cover for small insects.