Bermuda Grass (Common or Hybrid-type)
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a common variety or 'Tifway' hybrid common in residential lawns (mixed with broadleaf weeds)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant (turns brown) when soil temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green to dark green grass that forms a thick sod. In the image, it is seen as the fine-textured underlayer beneath taller broadleaf weeds. Seed heads are typically digitate with 3-7 spikes resembling a bird's foot.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Grey-green color, vernation is folded, and there is a conspicuous fringe of hairs at the ligule; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes; high thatch-forming tendency; extremely fast establishment and high recovery speed from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones of the United States
Growth Habit
Aggressive spreader through both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above ground); forms a dense, low-growing mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours minimum), high drought tolerance once established, prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; goes dormant during drought to survive.
Mowing & Maintenance
High maintenance; ideal mowing height 0.5 to 1.5 inches; requires frequent mowing (1-2 times per week) and high nitrogen fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually).
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance (will thin out under trees); excellent ability to crowd out other grasses but currently heavily infested with broadleaf weeds in the provided image.
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized; highly effective for soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes; can be invasive in gardens and ornamental beds due to rapid stoloniferous spread.