Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Non-hybrid)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance, enters dormancy below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green grass that forms a dense sod. It has a prostrate growth habit with high density. When unmowed, it stays relatively short (under 12 inches), producing spike-like seed heads arranged like toes on a bird's foot. It turns brown and enters dormancy in winter.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium-fine (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Color ranges from grey-green to medium green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. Excellent thatch-forming tendency and rapid establishment speed. High wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, especially the southern United States.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreading habit forming a dense, low-growing mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very low shade tolerance. High drought tolerance once established. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches; requires frequent mowing (at least once weekly). Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. High maintenance level for best quality.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear/traffic tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery; high ability to crowd out weeds due to aggressive growth; susceptible to Large Patch and Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization for erosion control. Can be invasive in gardens and agricultural fields. Often blended with Ryegrass for winter overseeding.