Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (non-hybrid)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11; excellent heat tolerance, goes dormant and turns tan/brown below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry-stemmed grass that forms a dense, resilient sod. Color ranges from gray-green to dark green, turning straw-colored during winter dormancy. Features characteristic finger-like seed heads (spikes) in a radial pattern.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a distinctive sharp-pointed tip. Color is typically grayish-green; vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule consists of a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both underground rhizomes and surface stolons. High thatch-forming tendency and rapid establishment speed; excellent wear recovery and drought resistance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zone regions globally
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; highly aggressive spreading habit forming a dense mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; high drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5-1.5 inches; frequent mowing required during peak summer growth. Requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. High maintenance level due to rapid growth and dethatching needs.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery; highly invasive in garden beds; susceptible to Dollar Spot and Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive to native ecosystems; often used as forage for livestock but can be a difficult weed in ornamental landscapes.