Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Sports Turf, Golf Course, Pasture, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (v. dactylon) or Hybrid (C. dactylon x C. transvaalensis)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; poor cold tolerance; goes dormant and turns brown when soil temps drop below 50-55°F.
About This Grass
A fine-to-medium textured, low-growing grass that forms a thick, carpet-like sod. Naturally gray-green to dark green, it turns straw-colored during winter dormancy. Exhibits high density when maintained.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width usually 1.5-4mm; flat or slightly folded; pointed tips; gray-green color; vernation is folded in the bud; ligule is a fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both rhizomes (underground) and stolons (above-ground). High thatch tendency; fast establishment; excellent drought tolerance and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; well-adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (very aggressive spreading habit forming dense mats)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8+ hours); low shade tolerance; moderate water needs; high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
0.5 to 1.5 inches height; frequent mowing required (1-2 times weekly); high fertilization (2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft/year); high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; excellent traffic recovery; resistant to many common pests but susceptible to Large Patch and Spring Dead Spot.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; excellent for soil erosion control; can be invasive in garden beds; provides minimal wildlife food but good cover for small insects.