Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common or Hybrid (likely a hybrid like Tifway 419 based on fine texture and density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance; undergoes dormancy when temperatures consistently drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turfgrass with a fine to medium texture. It is dark green during active growth and turns straw-colored during winter dormancy. It produces finger-like spikes as seed heads when left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-3mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, with a pointed tip. Color ranges from light to dark green. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent. The collar is narrow and hairy.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes and stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; rapid establishment from sod or sprigs. High wear recovery speed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely adapted to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including the Southern US and Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive spreader forming a dense, thick mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8+ hours); poor shade tolerance. Moderate watering needs; exceptional drought tolerance. 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). Requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic dethatching and aeration. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance. High salt tolerance. Good resistance to many diseases but susceptible to Spring Dead Spot. Recovers quickly from damage via stolons.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization for erosion control. Can be invasive in garden beds due to aggressive rhizomes. Often used in monocultures for sports and high-traffic lawns.