Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass. Well-adapted to transition and warm zones.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda / Tifway (unspecified general fine-textured turf type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance, but susceptible to winter kill in extreme cold below 0°F (-18°C).
About This Grass
Forms a dense, low-growing, fine to medium-textured turf. Color is vibrant green during active summer growth, turning straw-brown upon entering winter dormancy. Height ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 inches when maintained, with seed heads reaching up to 6 inches.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are fine to medium in width (2-3mm), flat, tapering to a pointed tip. Color is light to grayish-green. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs. Collar is continuous with hairs or a membrane.
Root System
Extensive, deep root system reaching several feet into the soil, providing exceptional drought tolerance and rapid wear recovery through aggressive stolon/rhizome networks.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide. Cultivated globally in warm climates.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, durable turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight). Moderate to high drought tolerance once established, going dormant during severe drought. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintain at 0.5 to 1.5 inches height. Requires frequent mowing during peak growing season (every 3-5 days). High fertilizer requirement (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). High maintenance level overall.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, rapid recovery rate, good salt tolerance, excellent erosion control, poor shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to dense root and stolon network. Can act as an invasive weed in flower beds and non-turf areas.