Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, and occasionally classified as an invasive weed in non-target areas
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a wild-type or common variety rather than a dense hybrid)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance with winter dormancy below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, mat-forming wire grass. It features a grey-green to dark green color, with seed heads consist of 3-7 finger-like spikes arranged in a whorl. It goes dormant and brown after the first hard frost.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or folded, with a distinctly pointed tip. Vernation is folded. The ligule is a fringe of white hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch tendency. Very fast establishment speed and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive, combination of stoloniferous (above-ground runners) and rhizomatous (underground stems)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low water needs once established; high drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Recommended height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High frequency mowing required due to rapid growth. High nitrogen needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). High maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance and salt tolerance. High drought recovery. Can be highly invasive in flower beds due to aggressive rhizomes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in the Americas. Provides soil stabilization and erosion control. Can displace native vegetation in favorable climates; often used in blended pastures for livestock grazing.