Bermudagrass

Cynodon dactylon

A warm-season perennial that creeps by strong rhizomes and stolons and forms an excellent turfgrass. Most improved hybrid varieties are planted by stolons or sod. Often found as a wiry, spreading weed in northern states. Common south of a line from Maryland to Kansas and northern California.

Identifying Characteristics

Stolons: Present, long
Rhizomes: Present
Leaves: Folded in the bud
Ligule: A fringe of hairs
Collar: Narrow, covered with long hairs
Auricles: Absent
Sheaths: Strongly compressed, sparsely hairy
Blades: Short, 1/8^th inch wide, rough along the edges, sharp pointed
Seedhead: 3 to 5 slender spikes, joining at the top of the main stem
Spikelets: Oval, in two rows, containing a single seed

Recommendations

Mowing Height
- Hybrid: 0.5 to 1.25 inches
- Common: 1 to 2 inches
Establishment: Seed (some cultivars), Sod, Sprig
Fertilization: 2 to 5 lbs/1000ft²/Year
Adaptation: Statewide

Bermudagrass Lawn Calendar

Bermudagrass Front

Bermudagrass Back

Tolerance Table