Cynodon, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
bermuda grasses
Africa, southern Europe, Asia, and Australia
Overview
Cynodon is a genus of warm-season perennial grasses in the family Poaceae, comprising roughly ten species native to Africa, Asia, Australia, and southern Europe. The widespread C. dactylon, Bermuda grass, forms low, dense turf 5–30 cm (2–12 in) tall, spreading by both above-ground stolons and below-ground rhizomes that root at the nodes. Leaves are flat, grey-green to deep green blades 2–15 cm (0.8–6 in) long and 1.5–4 mm wide, set in two ranks. The flower head is a cluster of three to seven slender finger-like spikes 2–6 cm (0.8–2.4 in) long radiating from a single point at the stem tip. Plants flower from late spring through autumn and reproduce by seed and by vegetative fragments. Cynodon grows quickest in heat and full sun, withstands close mowing, foot traffic, and drought once established, and recovers rapidly from damage. It turns straw-brown and dormant below about 10 °C (50 °F) and is injured by hard frost. The creeping habit that makes it durable turf also lets it spread into beds and adjacent ground, where it becomes a persistent weed, and several species are regulated where they invade.
Native Range
Cynodon species are native to warm-temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions of Africa, southern Europe, Asia, and Australia. C. dactylon has naturalised so widely that its exact origin is uncertain, and it now grows on every continent except Antarctica, mainly between about 45° N and 45° S.Suggested Uses
Planted for lawns, sports fields, golf fairways, and erosion control on slopes and roadsides in warm climates. Grown as pasture and hay grass for livestock. The spreading habit makes it unsuited to mixed borders, where it invades neighbouring plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 1'
Width/Spread2' - 6'
Colors
Bloom Information
Grasses of Cynodon flower from late spring through autumn, generally May to October in warm climates and nearly year-round in the tropics. The finger-like spikes are wind-pollinated and release pollen over many weeks. Seed ripens a few weeks after flowering.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green to purplishFoliage Description
grey-green to deep greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
