Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (naturalized type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; high heat tolerance; turns brown/dormant when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry grass that is gray-green to dark green. It is highly invasive in garden beds and maintains a dense sod when mowed. When unmowed, it reaches 4-15 inches. Seed heads consist of 3-7 finger-like spikes (digitate).
Blade Characteristics
Blade width 2-4mm (medium); flat or folded in bud; tips are sharply pointed; ligule is a fringe of short white hairs; auricles are absent; collar is narrow with long hairs on the edges.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes and stolons; low thatch tendency if managed but high establishment speed; excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa; naturalized throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, especially Southern US
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive, combination of Rhizomatous and Stoloniferous; forms dense, low-growing mats
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0; survives wet periods but thrives in dry heat.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 0.5-1.5 inches; high frequency; fertilization needs 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft annually; seasonal aeration required; high maintenance level.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance; high salt tolerance; poor shade tolerance; rapid recovery from drought; very competitive against weeds.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in many regions; provides soil stabilization for erosion control; can be considered an invasive weed in ornamental landscapes; supports limited insects but provides low wildlife cover.