Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. Excellent heat tolerance, poor cold tolerance resulting in complete winter dormancy and straw-like discoloration when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (unimproved seedling selections or unknown common type)
About This Grass
Forms a dense, low-growing turf mat with a medium-fine texture. In the image, the grass is currently dormant and straw-brown due to cold temperatures or seasonal dormancy, with sporadic green shoots emerging. Unmowed, it can reach heights of 4 to 15 inches, but when maintained it forms a carpet-like sward. Seed heads are digitately arranged spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are grayish-green to light green when actively growing, flat to folded, tapering to a pointed tip, with a width typically ranging from 2 to 4 mm. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep, aggressive root system with extensive rhizomes and stolons. Establishes rapidly from sod or plugs, moderate from seed. Moderate to high thatch-forming tendency under high maintenance, contributing to excellent wear recovery and drought survival.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide; widely naturalized and cultivated in warm temperate to tropical regions globally.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, durable turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) and has good drought tolerance by entering dormancy during dry periods. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrid types, up to 2 inches for common Bermuda. Requires frequent mowing during the active growing season. High fertilizer requirements for optimal color and density (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Medium-high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, making it ideal for sports fields and high-use lawns. Good salt tolerance, aggressive weed-crowding ability, and rapid recovery from drought or physical damage via stolons and rhizomes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes due to its dense mat. Low wildlife nesting value compared to native prairies, but serves as a durable ground cover in urban and suburban landscapes.