Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10, thrives in the transition zone and southern regions
About This Grass
Forms a dense, fine-to-medium textured turf with a vibrant green color during active growth and goes completely dormant (straw-colored) in winter
Blade Characteristics
Blades are narrow (2-3mm), flat, grayish-green to blue-green, pointed tips, folded in the bud with a hairy ligule
Root System
Deep, aggressive fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes and stolons that provide rapid recovery and high drought tolerance
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Aggressive, spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours), moderate to high drought tolerance once established, prefers well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow low (0.75 to 1.5 inches) frequently, high nitrogen needs (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually), medium-high maintenance
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, fast recovery from damage, excellent heat and drought tolerance, poor shade tolerance
Ecological Information
Introduced species widely used for erosion control and turf, provides good soil stabilization, can be invasive in flower beds due to aggressive spreading runners