Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10, excellent heat tolerance, enters winter dormancy below 50°F
About This Grass
Forms a fine to medium-textured turf with high density, turning straw-brown during winter dormancy and vibrant green during active summer growth
Blade Characteristics
Blades are grayish-green, short, flat, tapered to a sharp point, rolled in the bud, with a hairy ligule and absent auricles
Root System
Deep root system with aggressive rhizomes and stolons, moderate to high thatch tendency, fast establishment and high wear recovery
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons and rhizomes, forms a dense, tight mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun required, high drought tolerance via going dormant, moderate water needs, prefers well-draining soils with a pH of 5.8-7.0
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 0.5 to 1.5 inches frequently, high fertilization needs, high maintenance level
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance, high traffic recovery, good salt tolerance, poor shade tolerance
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America, aggressive colonizer, provides good soil stabilization and erosion control