Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely based on texture and growth pattern)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; enters winter dormancy and turns brown when soil temps drop below 55°F; limited cold tolerance.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a gray-green to dark green color. Forms a thick sod via above-ground stolons and deep underground rhizomes. Seed heads are distinctive bird-foot-shaped spikes (3-7 spikes per stem) produced when unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-3mm), flat or slightly folded, sharply pointed tips. Color is typically green to gray-green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent; collar is narrow with long hairs on the margins.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous roots alongside rhizomes; high thatch-forming tendency; very fast establishment speed; excellent drought tolerance and superior wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; well-adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive with rapid spreading and dense mat-forming tendencies
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); low shade tolerance; moderate watering needs; high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 to 2.0 inches height; high frequency (1-2 times weekly); high fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year); requires regular dethatching and aeration; High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; high drought recovery; susceptible to Large Patch and Dollar Spot; highly effective at crowding out most weeds once established.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in most of North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in gardens and agricultural fields; often used as a mono-stand or overseeded with Ryegrass in winter.