Bermuda Grass (with some weed/crabgrass intrusion)
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass. Commonly used in transition zones.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda / Multi-blend turf
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10, with some cold-hardy varieties surviving into Zone 6.
About This Grass
Fine to medium-textured turfgrass forming a dense, low-growing carpet. Bright to medium green color during active growth, turning brown and going dormant during winter frosts. Reaches 2-6 inches unmowed but maintained much lower.
Blade Characteristics
Short, narrow blades (2-3mm width), flat or slightly folded, pointed tips, grayish-green to light green color. Rolled in the bud (vernation). Ligule is a fringe of hairs.
Root System
Deep, aggressive fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes and stolons. Moderate to high thatch tendency under high fertilization. Establishes rapidly from sod, plugs, or seed.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide; widely naturalized and cultivated in warm temperate to tropical climates.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, durable mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun required (poor shade tolerance). Moderate watering needs for optimal color, highly drought-tolerant by entering dormancy during dry spells. Prefers well-draining soils with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow at 0.5 to 1.5 inches frequently with a sharp rotary or reel mower. High fertilizer requirement (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year) for best quality. High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance with rapid recuperative ability. Good salt tolerance. Enters winter dormancy and turns straw-colored under cold temperatures.
Ecological Information
Widely cultivated introduced species in North America. Excellent for soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes. Can become weedy in flower beds due to aggressive spreading via stolons.