Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Pasture, Invasive/Weed Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (wild/naturalized type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy (browns) below 50°F; susceptible to winter kill in northern climates.
About This Grass
A low-growing, mat-forming, grey-green grass that spreads aggressively to form a dense sod. In the image, it is seen as a patchy, fine-to-medium textured grass intermixed with broadleaf weeds (Chamberbitter/Phyllanthus urinaria). It turns brown/dormant after the first frost.
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 1.5-4mm; flat or folded; sharply pointed tips; grey-green to dark green; vernation is folded; collar is narrow with a fringe of hairs (hairy ligule); auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep, extensive fibrous root system with both rhizomes and stolons; forms heavy thatch; very fast establishment; high drought tolerance and exceptional wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Africa; widely naturalized in tropical, subtropical, and transition zones worldwide
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous (highly aggressive spreading above and below ground)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8+ hours); very poor shade tolerance; moderate water needs but high drought survival; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5-2.0 inches; high frequency required during summer; high nitrogen needs (2-4 lbs N/1000 sq ft); requires regular dethatching and aeration; High maintenance for turf quality.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional traffic/wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; very difficult to eradicate once established in garden beds; high drought recovery.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Invasive in many regions; excellent for soil erosion control; low wildlife food value but provides cover for small insects/reptiles; frequently competes with native cool-season species.