Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season perennial, C4 metabolism
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn, Turf, Sports Turf, and Forage Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (identifiable by medium texture and slightly more open growth than hybrid varieties)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. High heat and salt tolerance. Becomes dormant below 50-60°F. Limited cold tolerance; can suffer winter kill in northern transition zones.
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green to dark green grass that forms a thick, carpet-like surface. It is extremely vigorous during summer months and goes dormant (turning tan/brown) in winter or cold temperatures. Seed heads are distinctive bird-foot-like spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Width is medium (2-4mm), flat or folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Light to medium green color. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. Leaves are often sparsely hairy at the base.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes and stolons. High thatch-forming tendency. Fast establishment speed from seed, sod, or sprigs. Excellent wear recovery due to spreading stems.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreading habit forming a dense, resilient sod or mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); very low shade tolerance. High drought tolerance; prefers 1 inch of water per week but can survive long dry periods. Adaptable to various soil types and pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 1.0-2.0 inches for common varieties. High frequency (weekly). Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic vertical mowing (dethatching) and aeration. Maintenance level: High.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance. Excellent salt tolerance. High disease resistance but susceptible to Spring Dead Spot and Dollar Spot. Strong ability to outcompete weeds when healthy. Used for golf fairways and athletic fields.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; can be invasive in gardens and ornamental beds. High soil stabilization and erosion control value. Provides limited bird forage from seeds. Often overseeded with Perennial Ryegrass for winter color.