Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control, and Invasive/Weed Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (non-hybrid)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (goes dormant below 50°F); may suffer winter kill in Zone 6.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry, deep-rooted grass that turns brown during winter dormancy. When unmowed, it produces slender, finger-like (digitiform) spikes. It possesses a medium-to-coarse texture and a bright green to grey-green color during the growing season.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm); flat or slightly folded; pointed tips; grey-green to dark green; vernation is folded; ligule is a fringe of hairs (~0.5mm); auricles are absent; collar region is narrow and usually hairy.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system with both rhizomes and stolons; low thatch tendency in common varieties compared to hybrids; very fast establishment and high wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; well-adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones globally (USDA Zones 7-11)
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreader that forms a dense, mat-like sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance; requires moderate watering during establishment; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 - 2.5 inches for common varieties; frequent mowing required; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; low to medium maintenance level for basic turf, high for manicured sports turf.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance; highly salt-tolerant; poor shade tolerance; excellent erosion control; can be highly invasive in garden beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides forage for livestock; excellent for soil stabilization on slopes; can displace native grasses in disturbed areas; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.