Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a non-hybrid naturalized variety)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. High heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns tan/brown after the first hard frost. Limited cold tolerance; can suffer winter kill in northern transition zones.
About This Grass
A fine-textured, low-growing grass with a distinct grey-green to deep green color. When unmowed, it can reach 6-12 inches; maintained turf is kept very low. It is characterized by its wiry stems (stolons) that creep over the soil surface and a deep root/rhizome system. Seed heads are digital (finger-like) spikes arranged in a star pattern.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are narrow (2-3mm), flat, and roughly textured with a pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Color is typically grey-green or bluish-green. Ligule is a ring of short white hairs; auricles are absent; the collar is narrow and often has long hairs on the edges.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive, reaching 2-6 feet deep. Forms dense sod through stolons and rhizomes. High thatch tendency. Rapid establishment speed and exceptional wear recovery due to aggressive growth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Asia; widely naturalized and cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, especially the Southern United States.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive spreading habit forming a dense, low-growing mat or sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (6-8 hours minimum); very poor shade tolerance. Moderate water needs but excellent drought tolerance, entering dormancy to survive dry spells. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5-1.5 inches for common varieties; requires frequent mowing to prevent seed head formation. High fertilization needs (2-4 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft/year). Requires periodic dethatching and aeration. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; superior drought recovery. Highly resistant to most common lawn diseases but prone to Spring Dead Spot. Aggressive enough to crowd out most weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization and erosion control. Low to moderate wildlife value for cover; can be considered an invasive weed in ornamental beds due to its aggressive rhizomatous spreading.