Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control, Pasture
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appearing non-hybridized due to coarser blade texture and visible stolon length)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy when soil temperatures drop below 50°F; susceptible to winter kill in northern transition zones.
About This Grass
A low-growing, spreading perennial that forms a dense, wiry sod. Features a grey-green to deep green color, turning straw-colored during winter dormancy. Unmowed it reaches 6-12 inches; maintained turf is kept low. Seed heads are 3-7 finger-like spikes arranged in a whorl at the tip of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharp pointed tip. Color is grey-green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent; collar is narrow with long hairs at the edges.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. Very high thatch-forming tendency; extremely fast establishment and exceptional recovery from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; naturalized globally in tropical and subtropical regions; excels in hot, humid and arid climates
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive spreading habit with rapid horizontal growth and dense mat-forming capability
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Moderate water needs with very high drought tolerance; thrives in a wide range of soil pH (5.5-7.5) and survives in sandy or clay soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5-1.5 inches; high frequency (1-2 times weekly). Requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. High maintenance; requires frequent vertical mowing and core aeration to manage heavy thatch.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery. Resistant to many common pathogens but susceptible to Large Patch and Spring Dead Spot under stress. Highly invasive in flower beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. High soil stabilization value for erosion control. Low wildlife food value but provides cover for small insects. Often used as a mono-stand but can be overseeded with Perennial Ryegrass for winter color.