Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4
Grass Family
Poaceae, Chloridoideae, Tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf, Pasture, Sports Turf, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
Common Bermuda Grass (inferred from visible leaf texture and internode length)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-10; excellent heat tolerance; enters dormancy when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C); limited cold hardiness.
About This Grass
A highly resilient, multi-stemmed grass with a fine to medium texture. It exhibits a prostrate growth design, turning straw-colored during winter dormancy. Note the distinct stolons in the sample which allow it to creep over surfaces.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are 2-4mm wide (medium texture), flat or slightly folded with a pointed tip. Color is typically medium to dark green. Vernation is folded. Features a conspicuous fringe of hairs for a ligule and lacks auricles.
Root System
Deep and extensive fibrous root system with both surface stolons and deep underground rhizomes. High thatch tendency. Fast establishment and excellent wear recovery.
Growing Information
Origin Region
African origin; widely adapted to tropical, subtropical, and transition zones globally.
Growth Habit
Stoloniferous and Rhizomatous; aggressive spreading habit forming a dense, low-growing mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun (minimum 6-8 hours); high drought tolerance but requires regular water to maintain green color during peak heat; prefers well-drained soil with pH 6.0-7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
1.0 - 2.5 inches height; frequent mowing required (1-2 times weekly); high maintenance level needing 2-4 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year; frequent vertical mowing to manage thatch.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear tolerance, high salt tolerance, poor shade tolerance, and aggressive ability to crowd out weeds in sunny areas.
Ecological Information
Introduced/Naturalized in North America; provides bird nesting cover in pasture forms; excellent at preventing soil erosion due to dense mat-like growth; can be invasive in garden beds.