Science · Turfgrasses
Bermudagrass
The workhorse of southern fairways, tees and sports fields: aggressive, wear-tolerant and fast to recover, spreading by both stolons and rhizomes.
Cynodon dactylon & hybrids · Warm-season turfgrass
Profile
- Climate
- Transition zone and south; USDA 7–10
- Sun
- Full sun; poor shade tolerance
- Mowing height
- 0.125–0.5 in (greens/tees); 0.5–1.5 in (fairways, fields)
- Spread
- Stolons and rhizomes; very aggressive
- Dormancy
- Browns out below ~50°F soil temperature
- pH
- 5.8–7.0
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- ~18–28% depending on soil
- Salinity tolerance
- Good (hybrids tolerate moderate salinity)
- Drought tolerance
- Excellent — goes dormant and recovers
Deep, infrequent irrigation builds deep roots; avoid daily light cycles.
Problems to watch
- Spring dead spot
- Large patch
- Bermudagrass mites
- Armyworms
- Nematodes
Stress signs
- Wilting and footprinting
- Bluish-gray cast
- Thinning in shade
Where you'll find it
- Golf fairways and tees
- Sports fields
- Racetrack infields
- Commercial turf
More turfgrasses
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.