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 (demonstrated by medium-coarse texture and visible stolon network)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10. High heat tolerance; low cold tolerance. Enters complete dormancy and turns brown when temperatures consistently drop below 50°F.
About This Grass
A low-growing, wiry, Mat-forming perennial. In the image, it shows a medium-green color following some dormancy or stress. It is very dense when healthy, turning tan/brown during winter dormancy. Seed heads are distinctive finger-like spikes (3-7 spikes) arranged in a windmill pattern.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are 2-4mm wide (medium texture), flat or slightly folded, with a sharply pointed tip. Vernation is folded in the bud. The ligule is a conspicuous fringe of white hairs; auricles are absent. The image shows prominent midveins and some visible stoloniferous branching.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with aggressive rhizomes. High thatch tendency due to rapid lateral growth. Extremely fast establishment speed and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely adapted across the Southern US, Mediterranean, and subtropical regions worldwide
Growth Habit
Highly aggressive growth via both rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (above-ground runners); forms a dense, low-growing mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (requires 6-8 hours minimum; poor shade tolerance). Moderate water needs; once established, it has excellent drought tolerance but will go dormant (brown) to survive extreme dry spells. Prefers well-drained soil, pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal height 1.0–2.0 inches for common varieties. High frequency mowing required due to fast growth. High fertilization needs (3-5 lbs N per 1000 sq ft/year). Requires periodic dethatching and aeration.
Special Characteristics
Excellent traffic and wear tolerance. High salt tolerance and high drought recovery. Is often considered a weed in cool-season lawns due to its invasive creeping nature.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides soil stabilization for erosion control. Low wildlife value compared to native bunchgrasses. Can be highly invasive in garden beds and non-target turf areas due to its rhizomatous spread.