Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. Excellent heat tolerance, poor cold tolerance (goes dormant below 50°F and turns straw-brown after the first frost).
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (unimproved standard variety)
About This Grass
A fine to medium-textured warm-season turfgrass that exhibits complete winter dormancy, turning a straw-brown color during cold months. When actively growing, it forms a dense, carpet-like turf of a medium to dark green color. It is typically maintained at a low height and produces slender seed heads with 3 to 7 digitate spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are narrow (2-3 mm wide), flat, grayish-green to light green, with pointed tips and rough margins. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Extensive, deep root system extending down several feet in favorable soils. Highly fibrous with robust rhizomes and stolons that provide rapid recovery from wear and excellent drought tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide; widely naturalized and cultivated in southern temperate and transition zones.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, durable turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) and has good drought tolerance due to deep rooting, entering dormancy during prolonged dry spells. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Maintained at a low height of 0.75 to 1.5 inches. Requires frequent mowing during peak growing season. High fertilizer requirements (3-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year) for optimal color and density. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, excellent recuperative rate from damage, good salt tolerance, highly drought resistant, and aggressive growth habit that easily crowds out weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes and banks. Can become invasive in agricultural settings or flower beds due to its aggressive spreading nature.