Cynodon dactylon

bermudagrassfull
(Photo by Phillip Rustin)

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Taxonomy (1,2)

Classification: Angiosperm, monocot
Family: Poaceae
Common name: Bermuda grass

General Information (1,2)

Region of Origin: Africa
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 7-10

  • Size: 0.5-3 inches

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves

bermudagrassleaf
(Photo by Phillip Rustin)

Stolon (3)

  • Other: Also has rhizomes

bermudagrassstolon
(Photo by Phillip Rustin)

Seedhead (1)

  • Inflorescence type: Spikelet

Horticultural Information (1,2)

  • Light: Full sun
  • pH: 5.5-6.9
  • Maintenance: Requires frequent mowing
  • Landscape Uses: Yards and open areas
  • Other: Avoid shaded areas

Interesting Facts (1,2)

  • Bermuda grass is one of the few grasses that can handle dry, drought like conditions
  • Bermuda grass is one of the top commodities produced in Florida.
  • Growth ceases when temperatures average 50 ⁰ F.

References

1) Waltz, C.  (n.d.) Georgia turf. Bermudagrass http://www.commodities.caes.uga.edu/turfgrass/georgiaturf/Turfgras/1111_Bermuda.htm. Accessed April 1, 2013.
2) Steve Dobbs (2002). The Perfect Georgia Lawn. Nashville, TN;Cool Springs Press.
3)  D. W. Cudney, Botany/Plant Sciences emeritus, UC Riverside; C. L. Elmore, Veg Crops/Weed Science emeritus, UC Davis, C. E. Bell, UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Turfgrass. Oakland: Univ. Calif. Agric. Nat. Res. Publ. 3365-T. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7453.html

Prepared by Phillip Rustin as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek