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 (v. dactylon)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry grass that turns straw-colored or tan during winter dormancy. In growth, it is medium to dark green with a fine to medium texture. Seed heads are distinctive finger-like spikes (seedhead consists of 3-7 spikes) arranged in a whorl at the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width: 1.5-4mm; flat or slightly folded; pointed tips; vernation is folded; ligule is a ring of short white hairs; auricles are absent; collar is narrow and hairy at the edges.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above-ground). High thatch-forming tendency; rapid establishment and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive spreader forming a dense, thick mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours direct sunlight); high drought tolerance; needs 1 inch of water per week in summer; thrives in well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height: 1.0-2.0 inches; high frequency; requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year; high maintenance including regular dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; excellent ability to crowd out weeds when healthy; quick recovery from damage.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides forage for livestock; excellent for soil erosion control on slopes; can be invasive in flower beds and native ecosystems.