Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely based on typical texture and color, though many hybrid cultivars like Tifway 419 exist)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; high heat and humidity tolerance; enters dormancy when soil temperatures drop below 50-55°F; limited cold tolerance in upper transition zones.
About This Grass
Dense, mat-forming growth with a medium-to-fine texture. Color is typically medium to dark green during growing season, turning tan or straw-colored in winter. Produces distinctive bird-foot shaped seed heads with 3-7 spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm); flat or sometimes folded; pointed tips; light to dark green color; folded vernation in the bud; fringe of hairs for a ligule; lack of auricles; hairy collar region.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch-forming tendency; rapid establishment; excellent drought tolerance and superior wear recovery due to surface and subsurface runners.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; naturalized globally in warm-temperate and tropical regions; common in Southern USA and Transition Zone
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive; both Rhizomatous (underground) and Stoloniferous (above ground runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8+ hours); poor shade tolerance; moderate watering needs but high drought resistance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 to 2.5 inches height; frequent mowing required (1-2 times per week); high nitrogen needs (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually); benefits from regular vertical mowing and aeration; High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic tolerance; salt tolerant; high drought recovery; ability to crowd out weeds aggressively; widely used on golf fairways and athletic fields.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized status; good soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in garden beds; often overseeded with Perennial Ryegrass in winter for color.