Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or Hybrid (likely 'Tifway' or similar based on density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7–10. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance (goes dormant/brown when soil temps drop below 50°F).
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense turf grass with a fine to medium texture. Color ranges from light to dark green but turns straw-colored during winter dormancy. It produces distinctive 'bird-foot' shaped seed heads on upright stalks.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5–3mm); flat or slightly folded; pointed tips. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. Distinctive long hairs may be present at the leaf base/collar region.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above-ground). Fast establishment speed; high thatch tendency; 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 with a dense, mat-forming habit
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun required (minimum 6-8 hours); poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; exceptional drought tolerance. Prefers pH 6.0–7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
High maintenance. Mowing height: 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Frequency: 1-2 times per week. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually during growing season. Requires regular dethatching.
Special Characteristics
Superior traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery; crowds out most weeds when healthy; susceptible to Dollar Spot and Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization for erosion control. Can be invasive in flower beds or non-targeted areas due to aggressive runners. Often overseeded with Ryegrass for winter color.