Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, and Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (Non-hybridized population)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance; enters dormant brown state below 50°F (10°C). Limited cold tolerance in northern regions.
About This Grass
Low-growing, wiry, light to medium green grass that spreads rapidly. It has a coarse to medium texture and forms a thick carpet when well-maintained. Produces characteristic finger-like (digitiform) seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded with a pointed tip. Gray-green to blue-green color. Vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch-forming tendency and extremely fast establishment speed during hot weather. High drought tolerance due to depth.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African and Eurasian origin; naturalized widely in Southern United States and tropical/subtropical zones globally.
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive growth; both Rhizomatous (underground) and Stoloniferous (above ground runners). Forms a dense, mat-forming sod.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); very poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate watering needs; highly drought-resistant. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 - 2.5 inches height. High frequency mowing required due to rapid growth. Requires 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft/year. High maintenance level to keep dense.
Special Characteristics
Highest wear tolerance of all warm-season grasses. High salt tolerance. Recovers quickly from damage. Poor shade tolerance. Can become invasive in garden beds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America. Provides soil stabilization on slopes. Often mixed with Ryegrass for winter color. Can be an aggressive weed in natural ecosystems.