Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (shown in naturalized state)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; enters winter dormancy (turns brown) when soil temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green grass that forms a dense, resilient sod. Unmowed, it reaches 4-15 inches; as turf, it is kept low. Features include visible stolons (runners) and finger-like seed heads (spikes) arranged in a whorl at the tip of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width usually coarse (2-4mm), flat or folded in the bud; leaf tip is pointed; color is typically medium to dark green (grey-green hue); vernation is folded; ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes and stolons; rapid establishment; heavy thatch former; exceptional wear recovery and drought resilience.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (spreading above and below ground); highly aggressive and mat-forming
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires at least 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; requires moderate watering during summer peaks.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 1.0-2.0 inches for common varieties; frequent mowing required during peak summer; requires 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance level for high-quality turf.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; rapid recovery from injury; effective for erosion control and managing steep slopes.
Ecological Information
Introduced in North America; can be invasive in gardens/flower beds; provides limited wildlife cover; excellent for soil stabilization and preventing runoff in warm climates.