Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Subfamily Chloridoideae, Tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Hybrid or Common Bermuda (e.g., Tifway 419)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. High heat tolerance; goes into dormancy below 50°F (10°C). Moderately sensitive to severe frost unless specifically bred for cold-hardiness.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a fine to medium texture. It maintains a medium-to-dark green color during active growth but turns straw-colored during winter dormancy. The plant is characterized by its visible stolons and distinctive spiked seed heads arranged in a finger-like pattern.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-3mm), tapered to a pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of hairs. Color ranges from light to dark green. Blades are mostly hairless but may have occasional hairs at the leaf base.
Root System
Extensive and relatively deep fibrous root system combined with vigorous rhizomes. Establishment is very fast; creates significant thatch; high wear recovery due to underground rhizomes.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely adapted across the Southern US and tropical/subtropical climates globally.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive mat-forming habit with rapid spread.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; exceptional drought tolerance and preference for well-drained soils with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintenance height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High frequency mowing (1-2 times per week). Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year. Requires periodic dethatching and aeration. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance. High salt tolerance and drought recovery. Susceptible to Large Patch (Rhizoctonia) and Spring Dead Spot. Extremely effective at crowding out most weeds due to high density.
Ecological Information
Introduced in the US (naturalized); provides erosion control on slopes; can be invasive in garden beds; moderate wildlife value for cover; often mixed with Ryegrass for winter overseeding.