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 Grass; potentially a hybrid (Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis) such as Tifway 419 given the density
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy when temperatures consistently drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, highly dense turfgrass with a medium to fine texture. It exhibits a vibrant light to dark green color during the growing season and turns straw-colored (dormant) in winter. Seed heads are distinctive, shaped like a bird's foot with 3-7 spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. The leaf surface is typically smooth but can have sparse hairs near the base.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both rhizomes and stolons. High thatch-forming tendency. Rapid establishment speed and excellent wear recovery due to vigorous lateral growth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely adapted across the Southern United States, Australia, and Mediterranean climates
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive, forming a dense, mat-like sod through above-ground runners and underground stems
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate watering needs once established; high drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High frequency mowing required during peak summer growth. High fertilization needs (3-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Requires periodic dethatching (verticutting) and aeration. Maintenance level: High.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance and rapid recovery. Moderate salt tolerance. High drought resistance but low shade tolerance. Effective at crowding out weeds when maintained at high density.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; can be invasive in gardens or natural areas due to aggressive spreading. Excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes. Provides minimal wildlife cover in mowed turf form.