Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (unimproved or hybrid crossover)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance; moderate cold tolerance but enters early dormancy below 50°F soil temperatures.
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green to dark green grass that forms a thick sod. It turns straw-colored upon the first frost and remains dormant through winter. Its seed heads are distinctive, shaped like a bird's foot with 3-7 finger-like spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-3mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded, and it features a fringe of hairs as a ligule with no auricles. Color typically ranges from dull green to bluish-green.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch tendency. Rapid establishment via sprigs or sod; exceptionally high drought tolerance and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; naturalized globally in tropical and subtropical regions; excels in the Southern United States transition zone and below.
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive spreading via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above ground) to form a dense, resilient mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (8+ hours); very poor shade tolerance. Moderate water needs during growth but extremely drought-hardy. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height: 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High maintenance: requires frequent mowing (1-2 times/week), heavy fertilization (2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year), and periodic vertical mowing to manage thatch.
Special Characteristics
Superior wear and traffic tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery; highly competitive against weeds when healthy; susceptible to Dollar Spot and Large Patch.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Invasive in some regions; excellent for soil erosion control and nutrient filtration. Provides minimal wildlife cover compared to bunchgrasses but stabilizes high-traffic ecosystems.