Cynodon dactylon
Bermuda Grass
Africa (tropical and subtropical regions); now naturalized worldwide in warm climates
Overview
Cynodon dactylon is Bermuda grass (common bermudagrass), a warm-season perennial spreading grass growing 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) mowed height. Blue-green to gray-green fine to medium-textured blades 1.5-3 mm wide. Spreads aggressively by both stolons (above-ground runners) and rhizomes (below-ground runners). In the grass family (Poaceae). Warm-season: grows actively when temperatures are 80-95°F (27-35°C). Goes dormant (turns brown) below 50°F (10°C) — the primary limitation in northern climates where the brown dormant period lasts 4-6 months. The most traffic-tolerant warm-season grass — recovers from wear rapidly. Full sun required — does not tolerate shade (less than 4 hours of direct sun causes thinning and death). Highly invasive — spreads into garden beds, sidewalk cracks, and neighboring lawns; difficult to contain or remove once established. Mow at 0.5-2 inches (1.3-5 cm) depending on cultivar. Pollen is a common allergen. Zones 7-11. Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Perennial. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to tropical and subtropical Africa. Now naturalized worldwide in warm climates.Suggested Uses
Used as a warm-season lawn grass in full sun (zones 7-11). High-traffic areas — sports fields, playgrounds. Drought-tolerant. Not for shade. Invasive — difficult to contain. Dormant (brown) in winter. Perennial.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread1' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Summer (June-August). Purple to purplish-brown finger-like spikes 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm). Wind-pollinated. Mowed off in lawn use. Pollen is a common allergen.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Purple to purplish-brown finger-like spikes 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) — insignificant; mowed off in lawn useFoliage Description
Blue-green to gray-green, fine to medium-textured blades 1.5-3 mm wide; turns brown (dormant) below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C)Growing 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours) — no shade tolerance. Mow at 0.5-2 inches (1.3-5 cm). Warm-season: dormant (brown) below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C). Drought-tolerant. Highly invasive — spreads into beds and cracks. Pollen allergen. Zones 7-11. Perennial.Pruning
Mow at 0.5-2 inches (1.3-5 cm) depending on cultivar. Mow frequently — remove no more than one-third of blade height. Reel mowers at low heights. Dethatch annually when thatch exceeds 0.5 inch (1.3 cm).Pruning Schedule
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