Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control, and occasionally a Weed Grass in gardens
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (seeded variety, potentially 'Arizona Common' or similar based on coarse texture and sparse low-input habit)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. High heat tolerance. Low cold tolerance; turns brown and enters dormancy when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
Low-growing, wiry grass that forms a dense mat if well-maintained. In this low-input sandy environment, it appears as scattered, tufted clumps with visible extending stolons seeking soil contact. Color is typically a dull gray-green to dark green.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or folded blades with a pointed tip. Vernation is folded. Ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. Distinctive long hairs are often visible at the leaf throat/collar region.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch tendency. Rapid establishment speed from sprigs or stolons. Forms a very tough, dense sod that is extremely drought tolerant.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted and naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide (US Sunbelt)
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive growth; both rhizomatous (underground) and stoloniferous (above-ground runners)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); extremely poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate watering needs; highly drought-resistant, though will go dormant under extreme drought. Prefers well-drained soil (thrives in sandy soils as pictured).
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches for common varieties. High maintenance if kept as high-quality turf; requires frequent mowing and high nitrogen fertilization (2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually). Frequent verticutting needed to manage thatch.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear and traffic tolerance; exceptional recovery speed due to stolons/rhizomes. High salt tolerance. Can be invasive in flower beds. Highly resistant to many common diseases but prone to 'Spring Dead Spot'.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization on sandy banks and slopes. Low wildlife value for forage but provides cover for small insects. Often used as a primary grass in southern lawns and athletic fields.