Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course, Pasture
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a common or hybrid turf-type variety (e.g., 'Tifway 419' or 'Celebration')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance; moderate cold tolerance. Enters dormancy when soil temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
Dense, mat-forming turf with a medium to fine texture. Displays a vibrant deep green color during active growth, turning tan/brown during winter dormancy. Produces distinctive finger-like (digitate) seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tips. Gray-green to dark green. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. Smooth or slightly hairy collar.
Root System
Extensive and deep fibrous root system complemented by thick rhizomes. High thatch tendency. Rapid establishment speed and excellent drought tolerance. Forms a very tight, dense sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive; both Rhizomatous (underground) and Stoloniferous (above ground runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours minimum); poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established. Highly drought tolerant. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrid varieties; 1.5 to 2.5 for common. High frequency (1-2 times per week). Requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen/1000 sq ft/year. Requires regular dethatching (verticutting) and aeration.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and recovery speed due to runners. High salt tolerance. Resistant to many common pests but susceptible to Large Patch (brown patch) and Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Highly effective for erosion control and soil stabilization. Can be invasive in gardens or non-target areas. Often blended with Ryegrass for winter color (overseeding).