Bermuda Grass

Cynodon dactylon

 

Summer perennial. Bermuda grass is a creeping grass, and will creeps along the ground and root whereever a node touches the ground, forming a dense mat. It also reproduces from roots under the ground. It has a deep root system, and in drought situations the root system can grow 47 to 59 inches deep. Most of the root mass lies 24 inches under the surface.

Its blades are a gray-green color and are short, usually 1 to 4 inches long with rough edges. The stems are slightly flattened, and an inflorescent purple in color.

Bermuda grass reproduces through seeds and through runners and rhizomes. It will put out seeds about 3 months after planting. Bermuda grass can grow in poor soil. During droughts the upper parts die off, but the grass will keep growing from its rhizomes.