Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass. Well-adapted to the transition zone and warm climates.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
'Tifway 419' (Hybrid Bermuda), known for its dense, dark green turf and fine texture.
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. Excellent heat tolerance, poor shade tolerance, and enters winter dormancy when temperatures drop consistently below 50°F.
About This Grass
Forms an extremely dense, uniform turf with a fine to medium texture. Maintained at low heights (0.5 to 1.5 inches), but can grow taller if unmanaged. Color is vibrant medium to dark green during the growing season, turning straw-brown upon entering winter dormancy.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are fine-to-medium width (2-3 mm), flat or folded, with pointed tips. Vernation is folded in the bud. Light to medium green color. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, auricles are absent, and the collar is continuous.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending several feet into the soil, coupled with aggressive stolons and rhizomes. Moderate to high thatch-forming tendency under high maintenance. Rapid establishment from sod or plugs.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide. Cultivated extensively across warm-temperate and tropical regions globally.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and rhizomatous, spreading aggressively by both above-ground runners (stolons) and underground rhizomes, forming a dense, wear-resistant mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 8 hours of direct sunlight). High drought tolerance, going dormant during prolonged dry spells and greening up rapidly upon receiving water. Prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mow frequently at a low height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High fertilization requirement (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year during peak growth). High maintenance level, requiring regular dethatching and aeration.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear tolerance with rapid recovery capacity. Good salt tolerance. Excellent for athletic fields, golf courses, and high-use residential lawns. Aggressive grower that easily crowds out weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in many regions. Provides low wildlife forage value compared to native grasses, but exceptional soil stabilization and erosion control due to its dense network of stolons and deep roots. Can be invasive in agricultural settings.