Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass. Well-adapted to transition and tropical/subtropical zones.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda / Tifway 419 hybrid type, known for dense turf, fine-medium texture, and aggressive spreading.
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. Exceptional heat tolerance, goes dormant and turns brown with the first hard frost, greening up again in spring.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, low-growing turf with bright green to dark green color. Unmowed height reaches 6-12 inches, but maintained turf is kept short (0.5-1.5 inches). Produces slender, finger-like seed head spikes in a cluster at the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-3mm), flat to folded shape with pointed tips. Color is light to medium green. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs. Auricles are absent. Distinct smooth texture with prominent veins underneath.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system extending up to 6 feet or more in favorable soils. Moderate to high thatch-forming tendency depending on fertility and watering. Rapid establishment speed from sod, sprigs, or seed, with excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide. Cultivated globally in warm climates.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a very dense, tight sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 8 hours of direct sunlight daily). High drought tolerance through entering semi-dormancy during severe dry spells. Prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Requires frequent mowing during peak growing season (every 3-5 days). High maintenance level, requiring regular fertilization (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year), frequent dethatching, and core aeration.
Special Characteristics
Outstanding wear and traffic tolerance, making it ideal for sports fields and high-use lawns. Good salt tolerance and exceptional drought recovery. Crowds out weeds effectively when healthy and dense.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in many parts of the world. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to its extensive stolon and rhizome network. Can exhibit invasive tendencies in flower beds and native landscapes if not properly edged.