Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or Hybrid (e.g., Tifway 419)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy below 50-60°F soil temp.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a fine to medium texture. It is medium to dark green during the growing season and turns straw-colored when dormant in winter. It forms a thick sod that recovers quickly from damage.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tips, gray-green to dark green. Vernation is folded, ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and fibrous with extensive rhizomes and stolons; provides high drought tolerance and rapid recovery. Significant thatch builder.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; well-adapted to Southern US and transition zones
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive mat-former
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours minimum); high drought tolerance once established; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 - 2.0 inches height; frequent mowing required; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, poor shade tolerance, fast recovery from traffic.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; provides soil stabilization and carbon sequestration; can be invasive in garden beds.