Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (shown with potential hybrid characteristics like Celebration or Tifway 419 based on fine texture and density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; moderate cold tolerance (goes dormant below 50°F). Transition zone hardy but susceptible to winter kill in extreme freezes.
About This Grass
A low-growing, fine-to-medium textured carpet-like grass. Color is typically deep green to blue-green during active growth, turning tan/brown during winter dormancy. Highly resilient with a prostrate growth habit and rapid recovery speed.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is fine to medium (1.5-3mm); flat or sometimes v-shaped; sharply pointed tips. Color is dark green to blue-green. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent; collar is narrow and often has long hairs at the edges.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both rhizomes and stolons. High tendency for thatch accumulation. Extremely fast establishment and aggressive lateral growth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones globally including the Southern United States.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous (highly aggressive spreading both above and below ground); forms a very dense, mat-forming sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8+ hours); poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs; excellent drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height: 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High frequency mowing (1-2 times per week). High fertilization needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Requires frequent vertical mowing (dethatching) and aeration. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent ability to outcompete weeds when healthy; rapid self-repair from damage; high disease resistance but susceptible to Spring Dead Spot and Dollar Spot in humid conditions.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides good soil stabilization for erosion control. Can be invasive in garden beds due to rhizomes. Often used in monostands or overseeded with Perennial Ryegrass for winter color.