Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Pasture/Forage, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance. Enters dormancy below 50-60°F soil temperatures.
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turfgrass with a creeping habit. It is grey-green to dark green in color, turning straw-colored in winter dormancy. Seed heads are distinctive bird-foot-shaped spikes with 3-7 finger-like branches.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, tapering to a sharp point. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule consists of a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. Visible hairs often present at the leaf base and collar.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both surface stolons and deep underground rhizomes. High thatch tendency with rapid establishment and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; highly aggressive mat-forming spreader
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours). High drought tolerance once established, though prefers consistent moisture. Thrives in well-drained soils with pH 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High frequency mowing required due to rapid growth. Requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Superior wear/traffic tolerance, high salt tolerance, excellent drought recovery. Poor shade tolerance and can be highly invasive in flower beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization and erosion control. Can be invasive in native ecosystems but provides forage for livestock.