Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon): Complete Profile

Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), also called dogtooth grass, devil's grass, wiregrass, couch grass, is a warm-season perennial turfgrass native to Africa and Eurasia.

Characteristics

• Growth: Creeping via stolons (above ground) and rhizomes (below); forms dense, low mat.
• Leaves: Flat, pointed, 2–10 cm long, slightly serrated, gray-green to dark green.
• Roots: Deep (up to 2 m), drought-tolerant.
• Seed: Tiny, brown, in spikelets; wind/water dispersed.

Adaptation

• Thrives in full sun, heat (25–35°C optimal), well-drained soils.
• Tolerates drought, salinity, traffic, close mowing (5–25 mm).
• Dormant/brown in cool temps (<15°C); winter kill risk in transition zones.

Uses

• Lawns, sports fields (golf, football, baseball), parks.
• Erosion control (roadsides, embankments).
• Forage (hay, grazing) in tropics/subtropics.

Invasive Potential

Aggressive spread can invade gardens, crops, natural areas; listed invasive in several U.S. states, Australia, Pacific islands. Hard to eradicate once established.

Conclusion

Bermuda grass is a high-performance, low-maintenance turf for warm climates but requires containment where not desired.