Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass (Fairways/Tees)
Variety / Cultivar
Likely Tifway 419 or similar Hybrid Bermuda (C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy below 50°F (10°C); moderate to low cold tolerance depending on cultivar.
About This Grass
Dense, low-growing mat-forming turf with a fine to medium texture. Shows a vibrant light-to-medium green color in peak summer, turning tan/brown during winter dormancy. Highly resilient under low mowing heights.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-3mm), flat or slightly folded, with a pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent. Distinct light green color with visible mid-vein.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system with hardy rhizomes and stolons. Exceptional establishment speed and high thatch-forming tendency which aids in wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; well-adapted to Tropical, Subtropical, and Transition Zones globally.
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive; both Rhizomatous (underground) and Stoloniferous (above ground) spreading.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours minimum); high drought tolerance due to deep roots; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrid varieties; frequent mowing (1-2 times weekly); high fertilization (3-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year); high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic/wear tolerance and recovery; high salt tolerance; low shade tolerance; very effective at crowding out weeds when healthy.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization; can be invasive in garden beds; often blended with Ryegrass for winter overseeding.