Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (likely based on coarse texture and visible seed heads)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat and drought tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown below 50°F (10°C); poor cold tolerance in northern regions.
About This Grass
A dense, low-growing turf with a medium to coarse texture. Color ranges from light to dark green depending on fertilization. It forms a thick carpet that becomes straw-colored during winter dormancy. Mature plants produce characteristic 3-7 finger-like spikes (digitate) on seed heads.
Blade Characteristics
Width: 2-4mm; flat or slightly folded; sharply pointed tips; light to mid-green; vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a distinct fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent; collar is narrow and hairy at the edges.
Root System
Deep fibrous root system with extensive rhizomes; can exceed 6 feet in depth in sandy soils; high thatch-forming tendency; very fast establishment speed; creates a dense, durable sod.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; well-adapted to the Southern United States, Australia, and tropical/subtropical regions globally
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; highly aggressive mat-forming species with rapid lateral spread
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8+ hours); poor shade tolerance; moderate water needs but exceptionally high drought tolerance; thrives in pH 6.0-7.0; tolerates wide range of soil types.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 - 2.5 inches recommended height; high frequency (1-2 times per week); 2-4 lbs Nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually; high maintenance level; requires periodic vertical mowing to manage thatch.
Special Characteristics
Excellent wear tolerance and rapid recovery; high salt tolerance; resistant to most common diseases when managed properly; extremely competitive against weeds once established.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be invasive in gardens and flower beds; often blended with Ryegrass for winter color (overseeding).