Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or Hybrid (likely 'Tifway' or similar based on density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (goes dormant/brown below 50°F); survives transition zone winters with dormant period.
About This Grass
Low-growing, high-density turf with a medium to fine texture. Typically dark green during growing season, turning straw-colored in winter dormancy. Seed heads are 3-7 finger-like spikes arranged in a whorl at the tip of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to fine width (2-4mm), flat or folded, with a distinctive sharp-pointed tip. Color is bright to dark green; vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent; collar is narrow with hairs at the edges.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive underground rhizomes and surface stolons. Low thatch tendency if managed properly, very high establishment speed, and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa (despite name); widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones globally
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreader that forms a dense, aggressive mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance due to deep roots; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; requires moderate to frequent watering during hot spells.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches; high frequency (1-2 times per week); high fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year); requires periodic dethatching and aeration; High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance; salt tolerant; high drought recovery; susceptible to Large Patch (Rhizoctonia) and Leaf Spot; very poor shade tolerance; exceptional ability to crowd out weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; high soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in flower beds or adjacent cool-season lawns; provides habitat for small insects but low nutritional value for most wildlife except through pasture use.