Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10, with some cold-tolerant cultivars extending into Zone 6. Excellent heat tolerance and summer performance.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae
Variety / Cultivar
Common / Unimproved standard variety
About This Grass
Low-growing, dense turfgrass with a fine to medium texture. Spreads rapidly to form a durable, carpet-like mat. Light to dark green color during the growing season, turning straw-brown upon entering winter dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-3mm), flat blades with pointed tips, grayish-green to dark green color, rolled in the bud, prominent ligule consisting of a fringe of hairs.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system going down several feet, combined with aggressive surface stolons and underground rhizomes. Fast establishment from seed or sod, highly drought tolerant once established.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons and rhizomes, forms a dense, tight sod
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight). Moderate watering needs, highly drought tolerant by entering dormancy during severe dry spells. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height range of 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High frequency needed during peak growing season. High fertilizer requirement (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and rapid recovery. Good salt tolerance. Excellent for high-traffic lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses. Aggressive nature helps it crowd out weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to dense mat-forming roots and stolons. Can behave as an invasive weed in flower beds and agricultural fields.