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
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (unimproved wild-type / general turf)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance, enters winter dormancy when temperatures drop consistently below 50°F.
About This Grass
Forms an extremely dense, fine-to-medium textured sod capable of withstanding heavy traffic. The image shows dormant or dead brown thatch and stolons of Bermuda grass piled after dethatching or removal. In the growing season, it is a vibrant green color, but goes completely dormant (straw-brown) during cold winter months.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are short, grayish-green to light green, flat, with a width of 2-4mm. Pointed tips, rough margins, and rolled in the bud (vernation). Features a fringe of hairs in place of a membranous ligule and lacks auricles.
Root System
Deep, aggressive fibrous root system combined with extensive rhizomes and stolons. Establishes rapidly from sod or seed, creates heavy thatch if not managed, and provides excellent drought tolerance and fast wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, now naturalized worldwide in warm climates.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, wear-resistant turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (intolerant of heavy shade). High water needs for optimal appearance during peak summer, but exhibits remarkable drought dormancy. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow low (0.5 to 1.5 inches) frequently to prevent scalping and maintain density. High maintenance during active growing season requiring 4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually, frequent dethatching, and vertical mowing.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, rapid recovery from damage, good salt tolerance, highly drought resistant through dormancy, and aggressive weed-crowding ability.
Ecological Information
Introduced to North America where it is widely naturalized. Excellent for erosion control on slopes and sandy soils due to its dense root and runner network, though it can become invasive in flower beds adjacent to turf areas.