Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (potential 'Celebration' or 'Tifway 419' hybrid based on density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant (brown) after first frost or below 50°F.
About This Grass
A dense, fine-to-medium textured grass with a low-growing habit. Ranges from light to dark green. Produces 3-7 finger-like spikes as seed heads at maturity.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 1.5-4mm; flat or slightly folded; pointed tips; light to dark green color; folded vernation; ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles absent.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both surface stolons and deep underground rhizomes; high thatch tendency; fast establishment; excellent drought tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreading, high density, forms thick mats
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours); low shade tolerance; moderate water needs but high drought survival; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 0.5-1.5 inches; high frequency; requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year; high maintenance; requires regular dethatching and aeration.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and recovery; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; aggressive enough to crowd out most weeds; drought deciduous behavior.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in gardens; provides minimal wildlife food but good cover.