Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf and Pasture Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Non-hybridized)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance; moderate cold tolerance with complete winter dormancy when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, mat-forming grass with a medium-to-coarse texture in its common form. It exhibits a gray-green to dark green color, turning straw-colored during winter dormancy. Seed heads are distinctive finger-like spikes (3-7 spikes) arranged in a whorl at the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are generally 2-4mm wide, flat, and tapering to a sharp point. Vernation is folded in the bud. The ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. The collar region is narrow and usually has long hairs at the edges.
Root System
Deep and fibrous with extensive rhizomes; can reach depths of 6 feet or more in porous soils. High thatch-forming tendency and very fast establishment speed. Resilient with excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zone regions worldwide.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive spreading via above-ground runners and underground stems.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours daily); poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate watering once established; high drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 1.0 to 2.0 inches for common varieties. High frequency mowing during peak summer growth. High fertilization needs (2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft). Requires regular dethatching and aeration.
Special Characteristics
Superior traffic/wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, and fast recovery from injury. Highly invasive in gardens/flower beds due to rhizomes. It is effective at crowding out most weeds when maintained at high density.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; can be invasive in non-turf areas. High value for soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes. Provides minimal wildlife forage compared to native bunchgrasses but offers cover for small insects/reptiles.