Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn, Sports Turf, Golf Course Fairway, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or Hybrid (unspecified); likely a turf-grade variety based on density
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (dormant below 50°F, may winter-kill in northern climates).
About This Grass
Low-growing, dense, mat-forming turf. Bright green to dark green during growing season, turning straw-colored in winter dormancy. Textures range from medium-coarse to very fine.
Blade Characteristics
Medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, sharply pointed tips. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 6 feet in some soils), high thatch tendency, lightning-fast establishment, excellent wear recovery via stolon growth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; now naturalized worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions and the US Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive spreading via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above ground)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (8+ hours); very low shade tolerance. High drought tolerance; prefers 1 inch of water per week in summer. Thrives in pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Short mowing height (0.5 to 1.5 inches); high frequency (1-2 times weekly). High fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year). Requires frequent dethatching/verticutting.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic tolerance, high salt tolerance, rapid recovery from damage, aggressive enough to crowd out most weeds in summer.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Invader status in some areas; provides cover for small insects but can be invasive in ornamental beds; excellent for soil stabilization and slope erosion control.