Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Pasture/Forage, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (appears to be a non-hybrid naturalized variety based on the medium-fine texture and growth density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7–10; thrives in heat, has excellent heat tolerance but goes dormant (brown) when temperatures drop below 50-55°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, rugged grass with a medium-to-fine texture. It is medium green in color during active growth but turns straw-colored during winter dormancy. It produces distinctive finger-like seed heads (racemes) and can reach 6-12 inches if left unmowed.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), sharply pointed tips, flat or slightly folded blades. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent; the collar region is narrow and usually has long hairs on the edges.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch-forming tendency; very fast establishment speed. Provides excellent drought tolerance and rapid recovery from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa, widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive, spreading via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above-ground creepers); forms a dense, mat-forming sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; highly drought-resistant. Prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5–1.5 inches for hybrid, 1.0–2.5 inches for common. High frequency (weekly or more); high maintenance level. Requires 2–4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; frequent dethatching and aeration necessary.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery. Susceptible to Large Patch (Rhizoctonia) and spring dead spot. Very effective at crowding out most weeds due to its dense growth.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Invasive status in many areas due to aggressive spread; highly effective for soil stabilization on slopes. Provides limited wildlife food value but excellent cover for small insects and reptiles.