Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season perennial, C4 photosynthesis
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass (Fairways/Tees)
Variety / Cultivar
Hybrid Bermuda (likely Tifway 419 or TifTuf)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. High heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (goes dormant below 50°F). Suited for the Southern US and Transition Zone.
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turf with a fine-to-medium texture. It has a dark green color during the growing season and turns straw-colored during winter dormancy. Unmowed, it produces finger-like seed heads (spikes) in a whorl of 3-7.
Blade Characteristics
Fine-to-medium width (1.5-3mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent. Surface may have sparse hairs at the base.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch-forming tendency. Fast establishment speed with excellent wear recovery and high drought tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical and subtropical regions, performing best in USDA zones 7-11
Growth Habit
Aggressive spreader via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above-ground runners), forming a dense, mat-forming sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought tolerant but thrives with 1 inch of water per week; prefers pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High maintenance level requiring frequent mowing (1-2 times weekly), 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually, and regular vertical mowing/dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; superior drought recovery. Susceptible to Large Patch and Spring Dead Spot fungus. Highly invasive in flower beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides excellent soil stabilization and erosion control. Low wildlife value compared to native bunchgrasses. Can be invasive in non-managed ecosystems.