Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (unimproved or standard wild type), characterized by grayish-green color, slightly coarser texture than hybrid varieties, and aggressive spreading via both stolons and rhizomes.
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10 (and warmer parts of Zone 6). Excellent heat and drought tolerance. Exhibits complete winter dormancy (turns brown) when temperatures drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, low-growing turf with a medium-fine texture. In the image, it shows characteristic semi-dormant or transitioning straw-colored thatch mixed with active green stoloniferous growth. Can grow up to 6-12 inches if unmoved but typically maintained very low (0.5 to 1.5 inches). Color ranges from bright green in active summer growth to straw-brown when dormant in winter.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are fine to medium in width (2-3 mm), flat or folded, with pointed tips. Color is typically grayish-green or blue-green. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs. Auricles are absent. Collar is continuous with hairs.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending 2 to 6 feet deep in favorable soils. Highly drought-tolerant once established, creates moderate thatch, establishes quickly from seed, sprigs, or sod, and recovers exceptionally well from heavy wear.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide. Widely naturalized and cultivated in warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions globally. Performs best in hot, sunny climates.
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes. Forms a very dense, tight, mat-like turf with rapid horizontal growth.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight; very poor shade tolerance). High drought tolerance once established, going dormant during severe dry periods and greening up rapidly with water. Prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 0.5 to 1.5 inches using a reel or sharp rotary mower. High maintenance during active growing season due to rapid growth requiring frequent mowing (1-2 times per week). Fertilization needs are moderate to high (3-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). Requires regular dethatching and core aeration.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic and wear recovery due to aggressive stolon/rhizome network. Good salt tolerance. Excellent for home lawns, golf course fairways/tees, and sports fields. Highly effective at controlling soil erosion and naturally crowds out most weeds when healthy.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides limited wildlife value except as grazing for herbivores. Excellent for soil stabilization and preventing erosion on slopes. Can behave invasively by spreading into flower beds and neighboring cool-season lawns.