Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Erosion Control, Sports Turf
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a lower-density common variety rather than a hybrid turf-type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy when soil temperatures drop below 50-55°F; limited cold tolerance in northern regions.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry grass that forms a tough, resilient sod. Color ranges from light to dark green but turns straw-colored during winter dormancy. Features a medium texture and produces distinct finger-like (digitate) seed heads on 1-4 inch stalks.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, tapering to a sharp point. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of short white hairs; auricles are absent. Color is typically grey-green to deep green.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system (up to 6 feet in some soils). High thatch tendency due to heavy stolon/rhizome production. Very fast establishment and excellent recovery from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive; stoloniferous (above ground) and rhizomatous (underground); forms a dense, mat-like sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun required (poor shade tolerance); needs minimum 6-8 hours direct sun. Very high drought tolerance once established. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintain at 1.0 to 2.5 inches for common varieties; requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually during active growth. High maintenance level due to rapid growth and dethatching needs.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear/traffic tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery; aggressive enough to crowd out most weeds; susceptible to Dollar Spot and Large Patch in humid conditions.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion-prone areas; can be invasive in flower beds or native habitats; used as livestock forage; high resilience in urban heat islands.