Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely a naturalized common variety based on leaf width and visible stolons)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns tan/brown when temperatures drop below 50°F or after first frost.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing mat-forming grass. It features a medium to fine texture with a gray-green to dark green color. When mowed, it forms a thick sod; unmowed, it produces finger-like (digitiform) seed heads on 6-12 inch stalks.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are 2-4mm wide, flat, and taper to a pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent; color is typically medium to dark green with a slightly rough texture.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with thick rhizomes. High thatch tendency. Fast establishment speed via stolons. Provides exceptional drought tolerance and rapid wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive, combination of Rhizomatous (underground) and Stoloniferous (above ground) spreading
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 0.5 to 1.5 inches for common varieties; frequent mowing (1-2 times weekly); high fertilization needs (3-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually); high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic/wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, superior drought recovery. Known for being invasive in flower beds but excellent for high-use sports fields and home lawns.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization for erosion control. Can be invasive in non-turf areas. Often used in mixes with Ryegrass for winter overseeding.