Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a common or seeded variety rather than a hybrid like Tifway due to coarser texture)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy below 50°F; susceptible to winter kill in very cold northern climates.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry, grey-green grass that forms a dense sod. It turns straw-colored during winter dormancy and features finger-like seed heads (spikes) at the top of long stems when left unmown.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tips, grey-green to dark green color, folded vernation, fringe of hairs for a ligule, and no auricles.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons; high thatch tendency; fast establishment; excellent drought tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive spreader forming a dense, thick mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance once established; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; requires regular water to stay green in extreme heat.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5-1.5 inches; high frequency (weekly); fertilization 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; high maintenance; requires periodic dethatching and aeration.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear/traffic tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; rapid recovery from injury; highly competitive against weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions; can be invasive in gardens/flower beds; excellent for soil stabilization; provides forage for livestock.