Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a non-hybrid or older selection)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance; enters dormancy below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a wiry texture. Light to mid-green in color, it forms a thick sod that turns straw-colored during winter dormancy. Unmowed, it produces finger-like seed heads totaling 3 to 7 spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, pointed tips, gray-green to medium green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a distinct fringe of hairs; auricles are absent; collar is narrow with long hairs on the margins.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. High thatch tendency, fast establishment, and excellent drought tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Southern Europe; widely adapted to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, particularly the Southern United States.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive, low-growing, mat-forming with rapid horizontal spread.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); moderate water needs but highly drought-tolerant; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches; high frequency (weekly or more); high nitrogen requirements (2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year); high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery speed; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; exceptional ability to crowd out most weeds through dense growth.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in garden beds; often used in home lawns and golf fairways.