Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season (C4), Perennial, Transition Zone adaptable
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control, Pasture
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green to dark green grass that forms a thick sod. It turns straw-brown during winter dormancy. Unmowed, it produces finger-like (discoid) seed heads on stems 6-12 inches tall.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tips, grey-green color. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent; collar is narrow with long hairs at the edges.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; rapid establishment and excellent drought recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones globally
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreading habit forming a very dense, low-growing mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs; high drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches for common varieties; frequent mowing (1-2 times weekly). Requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. High maintenance for turf quality; requires periodic dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic/wear tolerance and rapid recovery. Moderate salt tolerance. Susceptible to Large Patch and Spring Dead Spot. High ability to crowd out weeds when healthy.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in the USA; excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control. Can be invasive in gardens and borders. Provides limited forage value for wildlife but high value for cattle.