Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control, Pasture
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely mixed with hybrid remnants)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; enters dormancy (turns brown) when soil temperatures drop below 50-55°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense, and hardy grass with a gray-green to dark green color. It forms a thick carpet-like mat and produces small 1-3 inch finger-like seed heads (spikes) in a star pattern.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-4mm), flat or slightly folded, sharply pointed tips, gray-green color. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent; collar is narrow with long hairs on the edges.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch tendency, fast establishment, exceptional wear recovery and drought tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; naturalized globally in tropical and subtropical regions; thrives in southern United States and transition zones
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous (highly aggressive spreading via both above and below-ground stems)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8+ hours), poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought-resistant through dormancy.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches; frequent mowing required (1-2 times weekly). Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year. High maintenance for turf quality.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance and recovery; high salt and drought tolerance; susceptible to Large Patch (Spring Dead Spot); highly invasive in flower beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions; excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control; low wildlife food value but provides cover; often considered a weed in gardens.