Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control, and sometimes Invasive Weed
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Non-hybridized wild/standard type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. High heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance. Becomes dormant and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
Dense, low-growing grass with a wiry texture. Gray-green to dark green color, turning straw-brown during winter dormancy. Forms a thick, resilient carpet.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. Leaf blades are often slightly hairy at the base.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch tendency. Rapid establishment speed and excellent drought recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Europe; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive with both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above ground); mat-forming
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs; exceptional drought tolerance but goes dormant without water.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High frequency mowing required due to fast growth. High maintenance level; requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic/wear tolerance and recovery. Good salt tolerance. Highly invasive in flower beds. Susceptible to Large Patch (Rhizoctonia) and Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization for erosion control. Low wildlife value. Can be invasive in native ecosystems, outcompeting native grasses.