Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn, Turf, and Pasture Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (Likely non-hybridized based on coarse texture and open habit)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy (turns brown) below 50 degrees F.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing mat-forming grass that turns brown in winter. It has a medium to coarse texture when unmanaged, with seed heads that appear as 3-7 finger-like spikes (digitate).
Blade Characteristics
Width 2-4mm; gray-green to dark green; pointed tips; folded vernation; ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent; hairy collar.
Root System
Extremely deep fibrous system with extensive rhizomes; high thatch tendency; fast establishment; excellent drought tolerance and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; naturalized throughout the Southern United States and Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (spreading via underground and above-ground runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance once established; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0-2.5 inches height; frequent mowing required during peak summer; 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft yearly; High maintenance for high-quality turf.
Special Characteristics
High traffic and wear tolerance; excellent salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; aggressive growth can crowd out weeds but may be invasive in garden beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; low wildlife value for food but provides cover; often used in mixtures with ryegrass for winter color.