Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (inferred from patchiness and texture)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; enters winter dormancy and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green grass that forms a dense, wiry sod. In the user image, it appears in a state of summer stress or transition, showing patchiness with brownish, dormant-looking areas and surviving green patches.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-3mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, with a pointed tip. Color ranges from light to dark green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending up to 6 feet in some soils; high thatch tendency; fast establishment through runners.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African and Asian origin; widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions globally
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreader that forms a dense mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); moderate water needs but highly drought tolerant; thrives in well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 - 2.0 inches for common varieties; frequent mowing required; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance due to rapid growth.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; excellent erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; can be invasive in garden beds; provides soil stabilization; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.