Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (vibrant green, medium texture)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns tan/brown when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C); moderate cold tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses.
About This Grass
A fine-to-medium textured turf with a vibrant light-to-mid green color. It is highly resilient, regaining vigor quickly after stress. When unmowed, it produces finger-like seed heads (digitate spikes) and can reach 6-12 inches, but it is typically kept very low.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width usually 1.5-3mm; sharp, pointed tips; flat or slightly folded shape; ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent; folded vernation in the bud; leaf blades are smooth or slightly hairy on the surface.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons; high thatch tendency; very fast establishment; excellent wear recovery and high drought resistance due to deep roots.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa, widely adapted to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including the southern USA/Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive, low-growing, and forms a dense, mat-like sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours minimum); high drought tolerance once established but needs regular water for lush appearance; thrives in various soil types with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches; high frequency (1-2 times per week); high nitrogen needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually); requires regular dethatching and aeration; High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
High traffic/wear tolerance; excellent salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; rapid spread fills in bare spots/weeds quickly; susceptible to Dollar Spot and Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in gardens and flower beds; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color in the south.