Bermuda Grass (Common or Hybrid-infesta)
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, and often considered an Invasive Weed in flower beds
Variety / Cultivar
Uncertain cultivar; displays characteristics of Common Bermuda grass with some features of hybrid stoloniferous spread
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. High heat and salt tolerance. Goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). Excellent transition zone adaptability.
About This Grass
Low-growing, wiry grass that forms a thick sod. Color ranges from light to dark green but turns tan/brown during winter dormancy. Inflorescence is a characteristic 3-7 finger-like spikes (digitate) radiating from the stem top.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or folded, with acutely pointed tips. Color is vibrant green to gray-green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule consists of a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent; the collar is narrow with hairs at the edges.
Root System
Extensive and deep (up to 6 feet/2 meters); combination of surface stolons and deep underground rhizomes. High thatch tendency; very fast establishment speed; excellent drought tolerance and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; now pantropical and naturalized throughout the Southern United States and transition zones
Growth Habit
Strongly stoloniferous and rhizomatous; forms a dense, aggressive mat that spreads rapidly horizontally
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours minimum; very shade intolerant). High drought tolerance; prefers consistent moisture for growth but can survive extreme dry periods. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
High maintenance for turf; mowing height 0.5-1.5 inches for hybrid, 1.5-2.5 inches for common. Mowing frequency 1-2 times weekly. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year. Requires frequent dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance for sports; high salt tolerance; high disease resistance to most common pathogens; excellent erosion control; invasive tendency to creep into garden beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides low-quality wildlife forage but good cover for small insects. Highly effective for soil stabilization; aggressive nature makes it a difficult-to-control invasive in non-turf areas.