Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a non-hybrid, possibly seeded common variety)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. High heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance. Goes dormant and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 55°F.
About This Grass
Dense, low-growing grass with a wiry texture. Gray-green to dark green color, turning straw-colored in winter dormancy. Seed heads are distinctive 3-7 finger-like spikes (digitate).
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or folded in the bud; leaf tips are sharply pointed. The ligule is a ring of white hairs; auricles are absent. Distinctive long hairs at the leaf collar.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous roots with thick rhizomes. High thatch tendency. Very fast establishment and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African and Asian origins; naturalized in USDA zones 7-11 and tropical/subtropical regions globally
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive, spreading via both rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (above-ground runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very high drought tolerance once established. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintenance height 0.5 to 1.5 inches for common varieties. High frequency mowing. Requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually during growing season. High maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance and salt tolerance. Poor shade tolerance. Highly invasive in flower beds due to aggressive rhizomes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides soil stabilization but often considered a noxious weed in non-turf settings. Competes aggressively with native plants.