Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or Hybrid-type (e.g., Tifway 419)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance; enters dormant brown state below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turfgrass with a medium-to-fine texture. It is medium to dark green during the growing season and turns brown during winter dormancy. It produces small, finger-like seed heads (spikes) in a radial pattern.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-3mm), flat or folded in the bud, pointed tip, light to dark green color. Vernation is folded. The ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent. Distinctive long hairs are often present at the leaf base/collar area.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. High thatch-forming tendency and rapid establishment speed. Excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive, forming a dense, mat-like sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance but needs regular water for lush appearance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches height; frequent mowing required (1-2 times weekly); high fertilization needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year); requires regular vertical mowing/dethatching; high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; rapid recovery from injury; highly competitive against weeds when healthy.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in the Americas; excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control; can be invasive in flower beds/gardens; provides limited wildlife food value but good ground cover.