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 Invasive/Weed Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (wild type/naturalized)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance. Enters straw-colored dormancy when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, grey-green grass with a creeping habit. It is highly resilient and dense when maintained but can reach 12-15 inches if unmowed. It produces distinctive 'bird-foot' shaped seed heads consisting of 3-7 spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Grey-green to dark green color. Vernation is folded. Features a fringe of hairs for a ligule and no auricles. Blades are often sparsely hairy.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending several feet deep; produces thick rhizomes. High thatch tendency. Fast establishment speed and rapid recovery from wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; naturalized globally in tropical and subtropical regions; thrives in USDA zones 7-11
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; extremely aggressive, spreading both above and below ground to form a dense mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0; requires moderate watering during establishment.
Mowing & Maintenance
High maintenance. Recommended height: 0.5 to 1.5 inches. Mowing frequency: 1-2 times per week. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year. Needs frequent dethatching.
Special Characteristics
High traffic/wear tolerance; excellent salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance. Can be a difficult-to-eradicate weed in garden beds and flower borders due to rhizomes.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization but can be invasive, outcompeting native species in riparian zones or open fields. Often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.