Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or hybrid like 'Tifway 419', known for dense, fine-textured turf and aggressive spreading ability.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10, with some cold-hardy varieties surviving into Zone 6. Excellent heat tolerance, enters winter dormancy at temperatures below 50F.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, low-growing turf with medium-fine texture and a vibrant green color that turns brown and goes dormant under frost. Height ranges from 0.5 to 2 inches when maintained. Features distinctive branching stolons visible on the soil surface.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-fine (2-3mm wide), flat, tapered to a pointed tip, gray-green to light green in color. Rolled in the bud (vernation). Ligule is a fringe of hairs, auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep, aggressive fibrous root system combined with rhizomes and stolons. Rapid establishment, moderate-to-high thatch tendency, excellent drought tolerance and fast wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide. Widely cultivated and naturalized in southern regions and transition zones globally.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a very dense, tight turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun required (poor shade tolerance), moderate-to-high drought tolerance once established, active growth requires regular watering. Adapts well to various well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 0.5 to 1.5 inches using a reel or sharp rotary mower. High nitrogen requirement (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). High maintenance level during active growing season.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, good salt tolerance, excellent drought recovery, aggressive weed-crowding ability. Widely used for home lawns, athletic fields, golf course fairways and tees.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to dense matting. Can act as an invasive weed in agricultural settings or garden beds outside turf areas.