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 Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry perennial that forms a dense, resilient sod. It turns straw-colored in winter dormancy. Seed heads are 3-7 finger-like spikes (digitate) emerging from the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or folded, with a pointed tip. Gray-green to dark green color, folded vernation, and a conspicuous ring of white hairs at the ligule; auricles are absent.
Root System
Extremely deep and extensive fibrous system (up to 6 feet); heavy thatch producer with rapid establishment and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (highly aggressive spreading)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours minimum), high drought tolerance, prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 to 2.0 inches for common varieties; frequent mowing required; high fertilization needs (2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year); high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance, high salt tolerance, poor shade tolerance, high recovery rate from injury, and considered a noxious weed in some ornamental settings.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in gardens; used in blends but often grows as a monoculture.