Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass; highly adapted to the transition zone.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda / Tifway 419 (widely utilized)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance, poor cold tolerance (dormant below 50F).
About This Grass
Forms a tight, dense, fine to medium-textured turf. Bright to dark green color during active growth, turning brown and going dormant under frost. Height ranges from 0.5 to 2 inches when maintained.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are short, flat, grayish-green to dark green, measuring 2-4mm wide. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of hairs. Auricles are absent. Smooth blade surface with distinct veins.
Root System
Deep, aggressive fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes and stolons. Establishes quickly from sod or plugs, forms a dense sod, and exhibits excellent drought recovery and wear tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; 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 mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun required (poor shade tolerance). Moderate to high drought tolerance once established. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow low at 0.5 to 1.5 inches frequently. High maintenance during peak growing season requiring regular fertilization (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually) and frequent dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance, excellent drought recovery, good salt tolerance, aggressive weed-crowding ability, ideal for athletic fields and home lawns in warm climates.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control. Can act as an invasive weed in agricultural settings or flower beds when unmanaged.