Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (non-hybrid)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; enters winter dormancy and turns tan/brown below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
Low-growing, light to dark green grass that forms a thick sod. Under unmowed conditions, it can reach 6-12 inches. Seed heads consist of 3-7 finger-like spikes arranged in a star pattern (digitate) at the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Medium to fine width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tip, gray-green to dark green color, folded vernation. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent; distinguished by prominent hairs on the leaf sheath and collar.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system (up to 6 feet in some soils) accompanied by aggressive rhizomes and stolons; high thatch tendency; fast establishment; excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones globally
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreader that forms a dense, low-growing mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (8+ hours); very low shade tolerance; high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 0.5 to 1.5 inches; high frequency during peak summer; fertilization 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year; high maintenance requirement to prevent invasiveness into flower beds.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, rapid recovery from damage, highly invasive in gardens, excellent drought resistance.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in native ecosystems; often found in disturbed soils and pastures.