Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control, and Pasture Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. It is highly heat tolerant but enters brown dormancy when temperatures consistently drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry grass that forms a thick carpet. It has a medium-to-fine texture and is typically dark green during the growing season. At maturity, it produces distinctive inflorescences consisting of 3 to 7 finger-like spikes (digitate) radiating from the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are typically 2-4mm wide (medium texture), flat or slightly V-shaped with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. The ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent. The leaf color ranges from light to dark green with a slightly rough texture on the margins.
Root System
Extensive and deep root system for a turfgrass, reaching up to 6 feet in optimal soil. It produces a thick thatch layer due to its heavy rhizome and stolon production. Once established, it is very difficult to eradicate and recovers quickly from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Southern Europe; widely adapted to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including the Southern United States and Transition Zone.
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive, spreading both via stolons (above-ground runners) and rhizomes (underground stems), forming a dense, sod-like mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires Full Sun (6-8 hours minimum) and has very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs; possesses excellent drought tolerance by entering a semi-dormant state during dry periods. Prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height for common varieties is 1.0 to 2.0 inches. Requires frequent mowing due to fast growth. High maintenance regarding fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually) and requires periodic vertical mowing (dethatching) to manage biomass.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and rapid recovery ability, making it ideal for sports fields. High salt tolerance. Known for its ability to aggressively crowd out most weeds, though it can become an invasive weed in ornamental beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced and naturalized in North America. Provides excellent soil stabilization for erosion control. While useful for pasture, it can be invasive in native ecosystems and is often managed as a weed in non-turf agricultural settings. Often overseeded with Perennial Ryegrass in winter to maintain green color.