Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda (unimproved wild-type or standard seeded varieties)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10, with some cold-tolerant varieties surviving in Zone 6 transition zones. Excellent heat and drought tolerance, but goes completely dormant in winter.
About This Grass
Forms a dense, fine to medium-textured turf with a vibrant green color during the growing season. It grows rapidly during hot summer months and goes dormant (turning brown/straw-colored) upon the first hard frost. Unmowed height can reach 4 to 12 inches, but it is typically maintained much lower.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are medium-width (2-3 mm), flat or slightly folded, with pointed tips. Vernation is folded in the bud. Color ranges from light green to grayish-green. The ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Extremely deep, aggressive fibrous root system that can reach depths of 6 feet or more in favorable soils. Rapid establishment from seed and vegetative parts, forming a thick sod that provides excellent drought and wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Eurasia; naturalized worldwide in warm climates
Growth Habit
Aggressively spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground), forming a dense, wear-resistant mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 8-10 hours of direct sunlight daily) and has poor shade tolerance. Moderate to high drought tolerance due to its deep root system, entering dormancy during prolonged dry spells. Prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height ranges from 0.75 to 1.5 inches for lawns (lower on golf courses). Requires frequent mowing during peak growth. High fertilizer requirement for optimal color and density (4-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year). High maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance, making it ideal for sports fields and high-use lawns. Good salt tolerance and rapid recuperative ability from damage. Can become invasive in flower beds due to aggressive spreading stolons and rhizomes.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control on slopes and coastal areas. Can be considered an invasive weed in agricultural fields and gardens due to its persistence and difficult removal.