Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season perennial, C4 metabolism
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance, entering winter dormancy when soil temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry perennial grass that forms a dense sod. It is grayish-green to dark green, turning straw-colored upon the first frost. Seed heads are distinctive finger-like spikes (3-7 branches) arranged in a whorl at the tip of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (1.5-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded. It features a fringe of hairs for a ligule and no auricles, with a conspicuous hairy collar.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch tendency. Rapid establishment speed from seed or sprigs with excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones globally
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive growth via both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above ground), forming a dense, low mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate watering once established; high drought tolerance but goes dormant under extreme water stress.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5-1.5 inches for turf; requires frequent mowing. High maintenance; needs 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually and regular vertical mowing to manage thatch.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, and high ability to crowd out weeds. Recovers quickly from damage due to stoloniferous growth.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization but is often considered invasive in gardens or agricultural fields. Used as a high-protein forage for livestock in pastures.