Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season Perennial (C4)
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, and Golf Course Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a Common or Hybrid variety (e.g., Tifway 419)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance but goes dormant and turns brown when soil temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense, and fine-to-medium textured turfgrass with a grey-green to dark green color. As seen in the image, it has entered a state of drought stress or semi-dormancy, showing characteristic tan/straw-colored patches. It forms a thick, carpet-like mat when healthy.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-3mm), flat or folded in the bud (folded vernation), with a pointed tip. The ligule is a fringe of white hairs, and auricles are absent. The leaf blades often sit at a 45-degree angle to the stem.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes. Known for being heavy thatch producers due to the high density of stolons. Establishment speed is very fast from sod, plugs, or sprigs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Asia; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide.
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive; spreads via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above-ground creepers).
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; exceptional drought tolerance through dormancy. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height: 0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrids, up to 2.5 inches for common types. High maintenance: requires frequent mowing (1-2 times per week) and high nitrogen fertilization (2-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually).
Special Characteristics
Superior wear tolerance and rapid recovery due to rhizomes/stolons. High salt tolerance. Often used for golf fairways and sports fields because it survives heavy traffic and low mowing.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization on slopes; can be invasive in flower beds or adjacent garden areas. Often overseeded with Perennial Ryegrass in winter to maintain green color.