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
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (unimproved wild-type / naturalized variety)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10, with good heat tolerance and moderate cold tolerance (dormant below 50°F, survives freezes down to temperatures depending on the cultivar).
About This Grass
A fine to medium-textured, aggressive turfgrass that forms a dense, low-growing carpet. Mowed height ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 inches, while unmowed seed stalks can reach 6 to 18 inches. Light to dark green during the growing season, turning straw-brown upon winter dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are short, flat, narrow (2-3 mm wide), with pointed tips and a grayish-green to dark green color. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes and stolons that penetrate up to 6 feet or more in favorable soils, providing exceptional drought resistance and rapid wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, now naturalized worldwide in warm climates.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, durable mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight). High drought tolerance once established due to its deep root system, but requires regular irrigation to maintain green color. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow frequently at 0.5 to 1.5 inches using sharp blades. High fertility requirements during the growing season (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Requires regular dethatching and aeration due to rapid thatch accumulation. High maintenance overall.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance, making it ideal for sports fields and golf courses. Rapid recovery from damage, excellent drought and salt tolerance, but very poor shade tolerance.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes. Can exhibit invasive tendencies in flower beds and agricultural fields due to aggressive creeping stolons and rhizomes.