Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or hybrid varieties like 'Tifway 419'
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance, enters winter dormancy and turns brown when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, low-growing turf with a medium texture and bright green to grayish-green color. Unmowed height can reach 6 to 12 inches, but it is typically maintained below 1.5 inches. Produces finger-like spike seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are flat, short, medium-fine width (2-3mm), with pointed tips, folded vernation in the bud, prominent ligule consisting of a fringe of hairs, and distinct collar region.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes and stolons. High drought tolerance, rapid establishment from seed or sod, moderate to high thatch tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide; widely cultivated in warm climates
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, wear-resistant turf mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight). Moderate to high drought tolerance through dormancy; high water needs for optimal green growth. Prefers well-drained soils.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow frequently at 0.5 to 1.5 inches using sharp mower blades. High fertilizer requirement during growing season (3-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance with rapid recuperative ability. Good salt tolerance. Poor shade tolerance. Excellent for sports fields and home lawns in warm climates.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to dense matting. Can be invasive in agricultural settings or flower beds due to aggressive spreading runners.