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Bermuda Grass

Cynodon dactylon

Cynodon dactylon Cynodon dactylon
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Poales
Family:
Poaceae (Grass)
Also in this family:
Alpine Catstail, Alpine Foxtail, Alpine Meadow-grass, Annual Beard-grass, Annual Meadow-grass, Arrow Bamboo, Barren Brome Grass, Bearded Couch Grass, Bearded Fescue, Black Bent, Black Grass, Blue Fescue, Blue Moor-grass, Bog Hair-grass, Borrer's Saltmarsh Grass, Bread Wheat, Bristle Bent, Brown Bent, Brown Sedge, Bulbous Foxtail, Bulbous Meadow-grass, California Brome Grass, Canary Grass, Carnation Sedge, Cocksfoot, Cockspur, Common Bent, Common Cord-grass, Common Millet, Common Reed, Common Saltmarsh Grass, Compact Brome Grass, Corn, Couch Grass, Creeping Bent, Creeping Soft-grass, Crested Dog's-tail, Crested Hair-grass, Cultivated Oat, Curved Hard Grass, Cut Grass, Dense Silky Bent, Downy Oat-grass, Drooping Brome Grass, Drooping Tor Grass, Dune Fescue, Early Hair-grass, Early Meadow-grass, Early Sand-grass, False Brome Grass, False Oat-grass, Fern Grass, Fine-leaved Sheep's Fescue, Flattened Meadow-grass, Floating Sweet-grass, Foxtail Barley, French Oat, Giant Fescue, Glaucous Meadow-grass, Great Brome Grass, Greater Quaking Grass, Grey Hair-grass, Hairy Brome Grass, Hairy Finger-grass, Hard Fescue, Hard Grass, Harestail Grass, Heath Grass, Holy Grass, Hybrid Marram Grass, Italian Rye Grass, Knotroot Bristlegrass, Lesser Hairy Brome Grass, Lesser Quaking Grass, Loose Silky Bent, Lyme Grass, Marram Grass, Marsh Foxtail, Mat Grass, Mat-grass Fescue, Meadow Barley, Meadow Fescue, Meadow Foxtail, Meadow Oat-grass, Mountain Melick, Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass, Narrow-leaved Small-reed, Neglected Couch Grass, Nit Grass, Orange Foxtail, Pampas Grass, Perennial Rye Grass, Plicate Sweet-grass, Purple Moor-grass, Purple Small-reed, Purple-stem Catstail, Quaking Grass, Ratstail Fescue, Red Fescue, Reed Canary Grass, Reed Sweet-grass, Reflexed Saltmarsh Grass, Rescue Grass, Rough Meadow-grass, Rush-leaved Fescue, Sand Catstail, Sand Couch Grass, Scandinavian Small-reed, Scottish Small-reed, Sea Barley, Sea Couch Grass, Sea Fern Grass, Sheep's Fescue, Silver Hair-grass, Six-rowed Barley, Slender Brome Grass, Small Cord-grass, Small Sweet-grass, Smaller Catstail, Smooth Brome Grass, Smooth Cord-grass, Smooth Finger-grass, Smooth Meadow-grass, Soft Brome Grass, Somerset Hair-grass, Sorghum, Spreading Meadow-grass, Squirreltail Fescue, Stiff Brome Grass, Stiff Saltmarsh Grass, Sweet Vernal Grass, Tall Fescue, Timothy Grass, Tor Grass, Tufted Hair-grass, Two-rowed Barley, Upright Brome Grass, Velvet Bent, Viviparous Fescue, Wall Barley, Wavy Hair-grass, Wavy Meadow-grass, Whorl Grass, Wild Oat, Wood Barley, Wood Fescue, Wood Meadow-grass, Wood Melick, Wood Millet, Yellow Oat-grass, Yorkshire Fog
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
20 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Grassland, lawns, parks, roadsides, seaside, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Green, no petals
 
3-6 spikes up to 5cm long, arranged in a fan shape. Unawned spikelets are one-flowered and purplish.
Fruit:
A brown seed-like caryopsis.
Leaves:
Simple, linear, elongated leaf blades, short and flattened. Jointed stems.
Other Names:
Bahama Grass, Common Stargrass, Couch Grass, Crabgrass, Devil's Grass, Dhubgrass, Dog's Tooth Grass, Indian Doab, Quickgrass, Scutch, Scutch Grass, Twitch Grass, Wiregrass.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Other Information

Summary

Cynodon dactylon, also known as Bermuda grass, is a warm-season perennial grass species. It is native to Africa and Asia but has been widely introduced and naturalized in many other regions, including the Americas, Europe, and Australia. It is considered a weed in some areas due to its ability to aggressively spread and outcompete native vegetation.

It has fine leaf blades and forms a dense turf, it can be found in a variety of habitats including lawns, golf courses, pastures, roadsides, and other disturbed areas. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in poor quality soil, it's also a fast-growing grass that can recover quickly after mowing or grazing, which can make it hard to control. It is also used as a forage grass for grazing animals and it's a popular choice for turf because of its ability to tolerate heavy traffic, heat and drought. It can also be used as cover crop to reduce erosion on sloping ground. Cynodon dactylon is one of the most widespread and invasive species of grass, it's important to be aware of this if you want to avoid it in lawns or gardens, other grasses can be used as alternative.

Blog

Bermuda grass, also known as Cynodon dactylon, is a popular grass species found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is a hardy and versatile grass that has become a favorite among landscapers, golf course managers, and homeowners for its ability to thrive in harsh environments and provide a lush, green lawn.

Appearance and Characteristics

Bermuda grass is a low-growing, spreading grass that typically grows up to 6 inches tall. It has a fine texture and can vary in color from light green to dark green, depending on the climate and growing conditions. The leaves are thin and flat, and the stems are tough and wiry.

One of the key characteristics of Bermuda grass is its ability to withstand drought and heat. It has a deep root system that allows it to access moisture from deep within the soil, making it an ideal choice for regions with low rainfall. Additionally, Bermuda grass has a high tolerance for foot traffic and can recover quickly from damage.

Uses

Bermuda grass has many uses, both practical and aesthetic. It is commonly used as a lawn grass and can be found in residential and commercial settings. Its fast growth and spreading nature make it an excellent choice for erosion control on hillsides and other sloping areas.

In addition, Bermuda grass is a popular choice for athletic fields and golf courses. Its ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and recover quickly from damage make it ideal for high-use areas.

Maintenance

Maintaining a healthy Bermuda grass lawn requires regular watering, fertilization, and mowing. Watering should be done deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Fertilization should be done every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season, and mowing should be done frequently to keep the grass at a consistent height.

It is important to note that Bermuda grass can be invasive and may require regular maintenance to keep it from spreading beyond its intended area. Additionally, some cultivars of Bermuda grass are known to produce seed heads, which can be unsightly and difficult to mow. Choosing a cultivar that is sterile or has a low seed head production rate can help alleviate this issue.

Bermuda grass is a versatile and hardy grass species that has become a popular choice for many applications. Its ability to thrive in harsh environments, withstand heavy foot traffic, and recover quickly from damage make it an ideal choice for homeowners, landscapers, and golf course managers alike. With regular maintenance and proper care, a Bermuda grass lawn can provide a lush, green oasis in even the harshest climates.

More Information about Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass, meaning it thrives in warmer temperatures and can go dormant during cooler weather. This makes it an ideal choice for regions with hot summers and mild winters. However, it may not be the best choice for cooler climates where the growing season is shorter.

One of the advantages of Bermuda grass is its ability to be grown from seed or sod. Seed is a cost-effective option for large areas, while sod can provide an instant and uniform lawn. Sod also allows for easier installation on slopes and hillsides.

Another advantage of Bermuda grass is its resistance to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to some common lawn diseases such as brown patch, dollar spot, and rust. Proper maintenance, including regular mowing, fertilization, and watering, can help prevent these issues.

There are many cultivars of Bermuda grass available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some cultivars are better suited for specific uses, such as sports fields or golf courses. It is important to choose the right cultivar for your intended use to ensure the best results.

Bermuda grass is also used for forage in the livestock industry. It is a highly nutritious grass that is rich in protein and is a popular choice for grazing cattle, horses, and other livestock. It is also used for hay production and can be harvested multiple times a year.

Another advantage of Bermuda grass is its low water requirements. It is drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal irrigation once established. This makes it an ideal choice for regions with limited water resources or areas that experience drought conditions.

However, Bermuda grass can also have some drawbacks. Its invasive nature can make it difficult to control, and it can quickly spread beyond its intended area if not properly maintained. It can also be difficult to remove if it becomes established in unwanted areas.

In some areas, Bermuda grass is considered an invasive species and can compete with native plants for resources. It is important to consider the potential impact on the local ecosystem before planting Bermuda grass in areas where it may become invasive.

Overall, Bermuda grass is a versatile and hardy grass species that has many practical uses. Its ability to thrive in harsh environments, withstand heavy foot traffic, and provide nutritious forage for livestock make it an ideal choice for many applications. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential impact on the local ecosystem before planting Bermuda grass in areas where it may become invasive.

Some Random Facts about Bermuda Grass

  • Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season grass species that is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

  • It is a hardy and versatile grass that is popular for its ability to thrive in harsh environments and provide a lush, green lawn.

  • Bermuda grass has a fine texture, can vary in color from light green to dark green, and typically grows up to 6 inches tall.

  • Its key characteristics include its ability to withstand drought and heat, high tolerance for foot traffic, and quick recovery from damage.

  • Bermuda grass is commonly used for lawns, erosion control, athletic fields, golf courses, and livestock forage.

  • Proper maintenance and care of Bermuda grass require regular watering, fertilization, and mowing.

  • Bermuda grass can be invasive and may require regular maintenance to keep it from spreading beyond its intended area.

  • While Bermuda grass has many advantages, it may not be the best choice for cooler climates or areas where it may become invasive.

Overall, Bermuda grass is a versatile and hardy grass species that has many practical and aesthetic uses. It is important to carefully consider its potential impact on the local ecosystem before planting it in areas where it may become invasive.

Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map