Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (consistent with visible medium-fine texture and light green color)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and brown below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing mat-forming grass. Unmowed it can reach 6-12 inches, but typically maintained low. Color is medium to light green, turning straw-colored in winter dormancy. Texture is medium-fine.
Blade Characteristics
Width 1.5-3mm; flat or slightly folded; sharply pointed tips. Color is vibrant green. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. Visible visible wiry stolons.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous roots coupled with rhizomes. High thatch tendency. Very fast establishment speed and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and Asia; well-adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive; both Rhizomatous (underground) and Stoloniferous (above ground)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8+ hours); high drought tolerance due to deep roots. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 to 2.0 inches for common varieties; frequent mowing (1-2 times per week); High maintenance; 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; requires regular aeration.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; rapid recovery from damage; crowds out most weeds through density.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization but can be invasive in gardens. Low wildlife food value but provides cover.