Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn, Turf, Pasture, and Sports Turf
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (unspecified variety likely derived from Arizona Common or similar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat and drought tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 50-60°F or during the first frost.
About This Grass
Low-growing, dense turf grass with a gray-green to dark green color. Reaches 12-15 inches if unmowed. Features a distinct seed head with 3-7 finger-like spikes (digitate) arranged at the top of the stem. Turns straw-brown and dormant in winter.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-3mm), flat or folded, and tapering to a sharp point. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule consists of a fringe of short white hairs; auricles are absent. Surface is sparsely hairy with a visible midrib.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive, often reaching 6+ feet deep. Produces thick mats of stolons and rhizomes, leading to heavy thatch. Rapid establishment speed from sprigs or runners. Excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; now naturalized worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions; excels in southern US and transition zones
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive and rhizomatous as well as stoloniferous (creeping above and below ground); forms a dense, mat-like sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; high drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height: 0.5 - 1.5 inches. High mowing frequency (weekly or more). Heavy fertilization required (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Requires frequent dethatching (verticutting) and aeration. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery; self-repairing via runners; high resistance to most diseases but susceptible to Spring Dead Spot and Large Patch.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Invaisve in some contexts due to aggressive spread; excellent for soil erosion control and soil stabilization; provide cover for small wildlife but low nutritional value for most wildlife except as pasture. Often blended with Rye for winter color.