Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Invasive/Weed Grass in non-target areas
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Non-hybridized)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (goes dormant at 50°F soil temp).
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry grass that creates a thick, resilient turf. When unmowed, it grows 6-12 inches high. It turns straw-brown in winter dormancy and bright to dark green in summer.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), grey-green color, flat or folded shape with a pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Features a fringe of hairs for a ligule and lacks auricles. Seed heads are 3-7 finger-like spikes.
Root System
Deep and fibrous; includes aggressive creeping rhizomes and surface stolons. High thatch tendency. Very fast establishment and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely adapted across the Southern US, California, and global tropical/subtropical regions
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreader that forms a dense, mat-like sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours); high drought tolerance due to deep roots but requires consistent watering for green color. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 - 2.0 inches for common variety; frequent mowing (weekly); 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft yearly; High maintenance for aesthetic quality.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance and salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; grows aggressively into flower beds; highly resistant to many pests but susceptible to large patch fungus.
Ecological Information
Introduced species; useful for erosion control and soil stabilization; provides low habitat value; can be highly invasive in ornamental gardens or native ecosystems.
Notes
Backyard