Bermuda Grass (Common)
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Chloridoideae, Tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Pasture, also frequently considered an Invasive Weed in flower beds
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (non-hybridized, likely naturalized)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; enters dormancy at temperatures below 50°F; susceptible to winter kill in northern climates.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing grass with a wire-like appearance. It has a medium-to-fine texture and turns a straw-colored brown during winter dormancy. Seed heads are distinctive finger-like spikes (3-7 spikes) arranged in a windmill shape.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-3mm), gray-green to dark green, flat or slightly V-shaped blades with pointed tips. Folded vernation in the bud. The ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; extremely fast establishment and high wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive, low-growing, mat-forming spreader
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs; excellent drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soil, pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches for common varieties. High frequency mowing required due to fast growth. High maintenance; needs 3-5 lbs Nitrogen/1000 sq ft/year. Requires frequent dethatching/vertical mowing.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance and recovery; highly salt tolerant; aggressive enough to crowd out most weeds; very poor shade tolerance; can be invasive in gardens.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization for erosion control. Low wildlife value for forage but provides cover. Competes aggressively with native species if not managed.