Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture/Forage, Invasive/Weed Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (non-hybridized/seeded type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. High heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 50-55°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, mat-forming perennial that ranges from greyish-green to dark green. It turns straw-colored during winter dormancy. Under unmowed conditions, it produces finger-like (digitiform) seed heads. The texture in this image appears medium-coarse with a somewhat thin density, typical of common varieties in poor soil.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are 2-4mm wide, flat, and have a sharply pointed tip. The color is light to medium green. Vernation is folded in the bud. It typically has a fringe of hairs for a ligule and no auricles. The collar is narrow and may have longer hairs at the edges.
Root System
Extensive and deep root system with both underground rhizomes and surface-running stolons. High thatch-forming tendency and very fast establishment speed. Provides excellent drought tolerance and rapid recovery from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (highly aggressive spreading habit)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought-tolerant. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 1.0 to 2.0 inches for common varieties. High maintenance level if manicured: requires monthly fertilization (0.5-1 lb N per 1000 sq ft) during the growing season and frequent mowing.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance. High salt tolerance and drought recovery. Susceptible to Spring Dead Spot and Large Patch. Known for its ability to crowd out other weeds once established in full sun.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization for erosion control. Can be highly invasive in garden beds and agricultural fields. Often used in blends with cool-season grasses for year-round green in the transition zone.