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 Grass (non-hybrid based on medium-coarse texture and growth habit)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy when temperatures fall below 50-60°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry grass with a medium-to-coarse texture. It creates a dense, resilient sod but goes dormant (turning brown) in winter or under severe drought stress.
Blade Characteristics
2-4mm width, flat or slightly folded, pointed tip, light to medium green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent; notable fine hairs present at the leaf base and collar.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both rhizomes and surface stolons. Excellent drought tolerance; high thatch tendency; fast establishment from sprigs or seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones of the United States
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; highly aggressive with rapid lateral spread and dense mat-forming capability
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours minimum); high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; needs supplemental water during active growth for optimal aesthetics.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 to 2.5 inches height; frequent mowing recommended to maintain density; 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance level requirement for high-quality lawn.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and recovery speed; salt tolerant; poor shade tolerance; excellent erosion control; can be invasive in ornamental beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized; provides soil stabilization on slopes; poor wildlife value due to dense monoculture; often mixed with Ryegrass for winter overseeding.