Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass. Performs well in the transition zone and southern climates.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or hybrid varieties like 'Tifway 419', known for aggressive spreading and dense turf formation.
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. Exceptional heat and drought tolerance, but goes dormant and loses color upon exposure to frost or freezing temperatures below 25°F.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, low-growing turf with a fine to medium texture. Bright green color during active growth in summer, turning straw-brown upon entering winter dormancy. Height ranges from 0.5 to 2 inches when maintained, and up to 6-12 inches if unmowed. Seed heads consist of a cluster of 3 to 7 slender spikes at the top of upright stems.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-fine (2-3 mm wide), flat, with pointed tips and a grayish-green to medium-green color. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent. The collar area is continuous with hairs.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending several feet into the soil, coupled with extensive rhizomes and stolons. Moderate to high thatch-forming tendency depending on fertility and management. Establishes rapidly from sod, plugs, or seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide. Cultivated globally in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, durable mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) and has poor shade tolerance. High drought tolerance due to deep roots and ability to go dormant during severe dry periods. Prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 inches for hybrid varieties and up to 2 inches for common types. Requires frequent mowing during peak growing season. High fertilizer requirements (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Outstanding traffic and wear tolerance with rapid recuperative ability due to aggressive stoloniferous and rhizomatous growth. Good salt tolerance and excellent erosion control. Prone to invading flower beds if not edged.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes and coastal areas. Can act as an invasive weed in agricultural fields or gardens due to its aggressive spreading habit.