Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (visible in background)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
Dense, low-growing turf with a medium to fine texture. Transitioning from bright green to slightly yellow/brown in dormant periods; features finger-like spikes on seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or folded, pointed tip, light to dark green, folded vernation, hairy ligule, absent auricles.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous system; high thatch tendency; fast establishment; excellent drought tolerance and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreading and mat-forming
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); moderate water needs but highly drought tolerant; prefers neutral to alkaline soil.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches height; frequent mowing; 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year; high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance, high salt tolerance, poor shade tolerance, highly invasive in garden beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization; can be invasive to native ecosystems; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.