Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon · Warm-season, Perennial, C4 grass. Performs well in transition zones.
Grass Family
Poaceae, subfamily Chloridoideae, tribe Cynodonteae
Grass Category
Lawn/Turf Grass, Sports Turf, Golf Course Grass, Erosion Control
Variety / Cultivar
'Tifway 419' (Hybrid Bermuda), known for its dark green color, fine texture, and dense turf formation.
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. Exhibits high heat tolerance, moderate to low cold tolerance (enters winter dormancy and turns brown below 50°F).
About This Grass
Forms a dense, low-growing turf with grayish-green to dark green blades. Unmowed height can reach 4 to 15 inches, but when maintained it forms a tightly knit carpet. Seed heads consist of 2 to 6 slender spikes arranged in a finger-like cluster at the top of the stem.
Blade Characteristics
Blades are fine to medium in width (2-4mm), flat or folded, with sharp, pointed tips. Color ranges from light green to dark bluish-green. Vernation is folded in the bud. Ligule is a fringe of hairs, and auricles are absent.
Root System
Deep, fibrous root system extending 2 to 6 feet deep into the soil. Aggressive stoloniferous and rhizomatous spread leads to rapid establishment and quick recovery from wear. Moderate to high thatch-forming tendency.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Africa and tropical/subtropical regions worldwide. Widely cultivated and naturalized in warm temperate to tropical regions globally.
Growth Habit
Aggressive, spreading via both stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below ground). Forms a very dense, tight mat.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight). High drought tolerance once established through deep root system. Prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Mowing & Maintenance
Ideal mowing height is 0.5 to 1.5 inches (reel mower often preferred for lower heights). High maintenance level, requiring frequent mowing during peak growing season, regular fertilization (3-6 lbs N per 1000 sq ft per year), and periodic dethatching/aeration.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional wear and traffic tolerance, excellent drought recovery, good salt tolerance, poor shade tolerance, highly effective at crowding out weeds and controlling erosion.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America. Provides good soil stabilization and erosion control due to its extensive root and stolon network. Used heavily on athletic fields, golf courses, and residential lawns.