Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appearing less dense than hybrid 'Tifway' cultivars)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy when soil temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry perennial grass that forms a dense sod. It is medium to dark green in color during the growing season and turns brown/straw-colored during winter dormancy. Seed heads are distinctive finger-like spikes (3-7 spikes) arranged in a whorl at the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly V-shaped, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. The leaf surface is often sparsely hairy near the base.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; very fast establishment and excellent recovery from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Southern Europe; highly adapted to tropical and subtropical climates worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive spreading habit forming a thick, dense mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours minimum); high drought tolerance but goes dormant during extreme dry spells. Prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches for common varieties. High frequency mowing required during peak growth. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance level due to rapid growth.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance (will thin out under trees). Highly effective at crowding out most weeds once established.
Ecological Information
Introduced in the Americas; provides soil stabilization for erosion control but can be invasive in gardens and flower beds due to aggressive runners. Often used in mixes with Ryegrass for winter overseeding.