Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season perennial; C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (typically identifiable by its broader blades and coarser texture compared to hybrid 'Tifway 419' varieties)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy below 50°F and can be damaged by prolonged hard freezes.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry grass that forms a thick sod. It is medium to dark green in summer, turning tan/brown during winter dormancy. Unmowed, it produces 3-7 finger-like seed head spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are 2-4mm wide, flat or slightly folded, with a sharp, pointed tip. Vernation is folded. It features a conspicuous fringe of hairs at the ligule and no auricles.
Root System
Deep and fibrous; develops extensive rhizomes and stolons that create significant thatch. Extremely fast establishment and high recovery rate.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and parts of Eurasia; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Strongly spreading via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above ground), forming a dense, aggressive mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (low shade tolerance); requires 6+ hours of direct light. High drought tolerance due to deep roots but prefers regular watering for green color; pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 1.0-2.0 inches; requires frequent mowing (weekly). High fertilization needs (3-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year); needs periodic dethatching (scalping).
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance for high traffic; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery; aggressive enough to crowd out most weeds but can become invasive in garden beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced in the Americas; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be considered an invasive weed in non-turf settings; provides low forage value for specific wildlife.