Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf and Pasture Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Non-hybridized)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing grass with a wiry texture. Gray-green to dark green during growth, turns tan/straw-colored when dormant in winter. Features 'finger-like' spiked seed heads (racemes).
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or folded, pointed tips, gray-green color. Folded vernation, fringe of hairs for a ligule, auricles absent.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous roots; produces thick thatch via stolons and deep rhizomes for high drought survival.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; naturalized globally in tropical to temperate regions
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous (highly aggressive spreading)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Height: 1.0-2.0 inches; high frequency; requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and recovery; highly salt tolerant; poor shade tolerance; competes aggressively against weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; provides soil stabilization; can be invasive in gardens; often found with White Clover (Trifolium repens) as seen in image.