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 Grass (appears to be a non-hybrid variety based on leaf texture and density)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11. Excellent heat tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown below 50°F (10°C). Moderately cold hardy but susceptible to winter kill in northern transition zones.
About This Grass
A low-growing, dense sod-forming grass with a medium-to-fine texture. It displays a grayish-green to dark green color, turning straw-colored during winter dormancy. Unmowed height reaches 6-12 inches; seed heads are distinctively finger-like (digitiform) spikes.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (2-4mm), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs; auricles are absent. Visible prominent veins on the upper surface.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (aboveground). High thatch-forming tendency; very fast establishment and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive spreader forming a dense, thick mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8+ hours); poor shade tolerance. Low to moderate water needs once established; high drought tolerance. Prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0 to 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5 to 1.5 inches. High frequency mowing required during peak summer. Fertilization: 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually. Requires periodic dethatching (verticutting) and aeration; high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent drought recovery. Highly invasive in flower beds; can crowd out most weeds through density.
Ecological Information
Introduced in the US; used extensively for soil stabilization and carbon sequestration. Limited wildlife food value but provides cover for small insects/reptiles. Can be invasive in non-turf managed areas.