Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (based on medium-coarse texture and visible stolons)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (goes dormant below 50°F/10°C).
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing grass with a wiry appearance. It is grayish-green to dark green, turning straw-colored in winter dormancy. Seed heads are 3-7 finger-like spikes arranged in a star pattern.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium-coarse (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped with a sharp pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent. Visible hairs often present at the leaf base.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. High thatch tendency with rapid establishment and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; well-adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones globally
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive, mat-forming spreader
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance due to dormancy mechanism; thrives in well-drained soils with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches height; frequent mowing required (1-2 times weekly); 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; rapid recovery from drought or injury; highly effective at crowding out most weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; excellent for soil erosion control; can be invasive in gardens/flower beds; often used in mixtures for sports fields.