Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (non-hybrid)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns tan/brown when temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green perennial grass that spreads rapidly via runners. It reaches 4-15 cm when mowed but can grow much taller if left wild. Known for exceptional density and ability to handle extreme heat.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or folded, with a pointed tip. Color ranges from light to dark grey-green. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending up to 6 feet in some soils; heavy thatch producer due to high rhizome/stolon density; very fast establishment.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zone climates globally
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (highly aggressive spreading habit forming dense mats)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; dormant during cold weather.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5-1.5 inches; frequent mowing needed during peak summer; high fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft); high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Superior wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; excellent recovery from injury; considered an invasive weed in ornamental beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions; provides high soil stabilization; can be invasive to native habitats; often mixed with Ryegrass for winter color.