Cynodon dactylon

Cynodon dactylon_Bermudagrass_ JM Di Tomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Common names: Bermuda grass; couch grass; devil grass; wire grass; vine grass; bermudagrass

Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) is a low-statured, creeping, warm season perennial grass (family Poaceae) that is commonly planted in garden lawns and as turf. It is native to East Africa but has become a cosmopolitan weed in warmer regions around the world, where it tolerates a broad range of soil types and moister levels. Bermuda grass is distinguished by having slightly flattened stems, hairs that jut out at the leaf blade and sheath junctures, grey-green foliage, and an inflorescence comprised of a cluster of 2-6 spikes arranged radially from a single point. Plants reproduce both via rhizomes and seeds. Bermuda grass is fast growing and can out-compete native species, particularly in riparian areas.

Cal-IPC Rating: Moderate?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

There are no newsletter articles associated with this species yet.

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Cynodon dactylon Information

  • Bugwood - National database from the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia.
  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Cynodon dactylon_leaf blades and sheaths_ZoyaAkulova
    Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) leaf blades and sheaths. Photo: Zoya Akulova
    Cynodon dactylon_inflorescence_KeirMorse
    Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) inflorescence. Photo: Keir Morse
    Cynodon dactylon_growth habit_KeirMorse
    Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) growth habit. Photo: Keir Morse