Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10, excellent heat tolerance, poor cold tolerance (goes dormant and turns straw-brown below 50°F).
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda or hybrid like 'Tifway 419'
About This Grass
Forms a dense, fine to medium-textured turf with vibrant medium-to-dark green color. Height when unmowed reaches 4-15 inches, but maintained turf is kept low (0.5-1.5 inches). Seed heads are digitate with 3-7 spikes radiating from a single point.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-3 mm), flat shape, pointed tips, light to dark green color, folded vernation in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep root system (up to 6 feet in optimal soils), highly aggressive fibrous roots combined with rhizomes and stolons. Moderate to high thatch tendency, rapid establishment from seed or sod, excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, widely naturalized and cultivated globally in warm climates.
Growth Habit
Aggressive, spreading by both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a very dense, tight turf mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight). Moderate watering needs once established, excellent drought tolerance by entering dormancy during severe dry spells. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 0.5 to 1.5 inches frequently (1-2 times per week during peak growth). High fertilizer requirement (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Requires regular dethatching and aeration. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear recovery, good salt tolerance, poor shade tolerance, excellent drought recovery, goes dormant in winter, outstanding erosion control.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America, provides minimal wildlife food but offers good ground cover and soil stabilization. Can become weedy in flower beds due to aggressive stolon/rhizome spread.