Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (seeded variety)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10. Excellent heat tolerance; moderate cold tolerance but enters dormancy (turns brown) when temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry, dark green grass that forms a thick sod. It turns straw-colored or brown during winter dormancy. It features a medium-to-fine texture and finger-like seed heads (spikes) arranged in a star pattern atop slender stalks.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width is medium (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a pointed tip. Color is typically medium to dark green. Vernation is folded in the bud; the ligule is a fringe of short hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface-running stolons. High thatch-forming potential and very fast establishment speed. Provides excellent drought tolerance and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African and Asian origin; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreading habit forming a dense, low-growing mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought-tolerant; prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height is 1.0 to 1.5 inches for common varieties. High frequency mowing required due to fast growth. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year. High maintenance level requiring regular dethatching and aeration.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery; high ability to crowd out weeds; resistant to many common pests but susceptible to Large Patch and Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. High soil stabilization value for erosion control. Can be invasive in garden beds due to aggressive rhizomes. Often mixed with Ryegrass for winter color in transition zones.