Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 50°F; moderate cold tolerance for a warm-season grass.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing grass with a wiry texture. Light to dark green during the growing season, turning tan/brown during winter dormancy. Forms a thick sod that can withstand heavy use. Seed heads are distinctive finger-like spikes (3-7 spikes) arranged in a whorl at the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Gray-green to dark green color. Folded vernation in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of short white hairs; auricles are absent; the collar region is narrow and hairy.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. Forms heavy thatch; very fast establishment speed; provides exceptional drought tolerance and rapid recovery from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to the Southern United States, Australia, and Mediterranean climates
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive mat-forming with rapid spread
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8+ hours); very poor shade tolerance as seen in the thinning under the tree/porch area. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought-resistant. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 5.5-7.5.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 1.0-2.5 inches for common varieties. High frequency mowing required during peak summer. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. High maintenance level due to rapid growth and thatch buildup requiring frequent dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery; poor shade tolerance; becomes a weed in flower beds due to aggressive rhizomes; excellent for sports fields and high-traffic home lawns.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; low wildlife food value but provides cover for small insects; can be invasive in native ecosystems or gardens; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.