Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a non-hybrid variety based on leaf texture and density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; enters winter dormancy and turns brown when temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green grass with a fine to medium texture. When unmowed, it reaches 4-15 inches; when maintained, it forms a tight, uniform carpet. Seed heads are digital (finger-like) spikes from a single point.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tips, grey-green color. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a ring of white hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch tendency; fast establishment speed; excellent drought tolerance and rapid wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive; stoloniferous (above ground) and rhizomatous (underground), forming a dense sod mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8+ hours); poor shade tolerance. Moderate water needs but high drought resistance. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches for common varieties. High frequency mowing required during peak summer growth. High fertilization (2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/yr). Requires periodic dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, excellent drought recovery, but very poor shade tolerance and can become invasive in garden beds.
Ecological Information
Native to Africa; considered invasive in some regions due to aggressive spread. Excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control. Limited wildlife value in turf form.