Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely based on habit and leaf texture visible)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns tan when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turfgrass with a medium-to-fine texture. It presents a vibrant green color during the growing season and turns straw-colored during winter dormancy. It features a sprawling habit with visible horizontal stems.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tips. Gray-green to dark green color, rolled vernation, inconspicuous membranous ligule with a fringe of hairs, and no auricles.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; rapid establishment and excellent drought recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely adapted throughout the Southern United States and transition zones globally
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreading habit forming a dense, thick mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance but requires regular water for green color; thrives in wide range of soil pH (5.5-7.5).
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrid, 1.0 to 2.5 inches for common; frequent mowing required; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic/wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, poor shade tolerance, highly invasive in garden beds, fast recovery from damage.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in Americas; provides erosion control on slopes; low wildlife food value but provides cover; often used in mixtures for sports fields; can be invasive in native ecosystems.