Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season Perennial (C4)
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Likely a Common Bermuda or older hybrid cultivar based on leaf texture and density.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; enters dormancy (turns straw-colored) when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
Low-growing, dense, mat-forming grass that turns brown during winter dormancy. Features a medium to fine texture with a dark green color during the growing season. Seed heads are distinctive, finger-like spikes (digitate) occurring in clusters of 3-7.
Blade Characteristics
Medium-fine width (1.5-3mm), flat or folded in the bud (folded vernation), sharp pointed tips, ligule is a fringe of white hairs, auricles are absent, collar is narrow with long hairs on the edges.
Root System
Extensive and deep fibrous root system complemented by thick rhizomes and surface stolons. High thatch-forming tendency; rapid establishment speed and excellent drought tolerance.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; now globally distributed in tropical and subtropical regions.
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (highly aggressive spreading)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (8+ hours preferred, very poor shade tolerance), moderate water needs but survives extreme drought by going dormant, prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height 0.5 to 1.5 inches, high frequency (twice weekly during peak growth), fertilization 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually, high maintenance.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance and recovery speed, high salt tolerance, excellent weed crowding ability in full sun, and high drought recovery.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in garden beds; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color.