Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10, with some cold-tolerant varieties surviving in Zone 6. Excellent heat tolerance, enters winter dormancy (turns brown) when temperatures drop consistently below 50°F.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or hybrid selections such as 'Tifway', featuring aggressive spreading capabilities and fine texture
About This Grass
Forms a very dense, low-growing turf with gray-green to medium-green leaves. Unmowed height can reach 4-15 inches, while maintained turf is kept at 0.5-1.5 inches. Distinctive finger-like (digitately arranged) spike inflorescences.
Blade Characteristics
Medium-fine blades (2-4mm wide), flat to folded shape, pointed tips, gray-green to green color, rolled in the bud (vernation). Ligule is a fringe of hairs, auricles absent, collar is continuous with hairs.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending several feet into the soil with extensive rhizomes and stolons. Rapid establishment, moderate to high thatch tendency depending on management, exceptional drought tolerance and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide; widely naturalized and cultivated in warm temperate and tropical climates
Growth Habit
Aggressively 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 direct sunlight), moderate to high water needs for optimal appearance but high drought tolerance via dormancy, prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow frequently at 0.5 to 1.5 inches using sharp reel or rotary blades. High fertilizer requirement (3-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Requires regular dethatching and aeration. High maintenance overall.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, excellent drought recovery, moderate salt tolerance, poor shade tolerance, highly aggressive at crowding out weeds, widely used for sports fields, golf courses, and home lawns.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America, valued for excellent soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes. Can act as an invasive weed in agricultural fields and flower beds. Provides moderate wildlife value for grazing herbivores.