Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda / Selection such as 'Tifway' or 'Celebration'
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10, can survive in parts of Zone 6 with winter protection. Excellent heat tolerance, poor cold tolerance (dormant below 50°F and turns brown with first frost).
About This Grass
Forms a dense, low-growing turf with grayish-green to medium-green leaves. Grows vigorously during warm summer months and goes dormant (turning brown) during frost. Unmowed height can reach 4-15 inches, but maintained turf is kept low. Seed heads consist of 3 to 7 slender spikes radiating from a single point (digitate arrangement).
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-3mm), flat blades with pointed tips. Color is grayish-green to medium green. Rolled in the bud (vernation). Ligule is a fringe of hairs. Auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep, aggressive fibrous root system combined with extensive rhizomes and stolons. Establishes rapidly from sod or plugs, forms heavy thatch if not managed, and provides exceptional drought tolerance and wear recovery by storing energy underground.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, now widely naturalized and cultivated globally in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones
Growth Habit
Aggressive, spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, wear-resistant mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight; poor shade tolerance). High drought tolerance via dormancy, but needs regular water (1 inch per week) for optimal green growth. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintained at 0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrid types, 1.0 to 2.0 inches for common types. Requires frequent mowing during peak growing season. High fertilization needs (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance, excellent drought and salt tolerance, very fast recovery from damage, aggressive growth habit makes it effective at crowding out weeds, poor shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to its dense mat-forming roots and stolons. Can become invasive in agricultural settings or flower beds adjacent to turf areas.