Plant Assessment Form

More Cynodon dactylon resources

Cynodon dactylon

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

Evaluated on: 5/26/04

List committee review date: 08/07/2005

Re-evaluation date:

Evaluator(s)

John J. Knapp/ Invasive Plant Program Manager
Catalina Island Conservancy
P.O. Box 2739 Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-1299
jknapp@catalinaconservancy.org

Joseph DiTomaso
University of California-Davis
Dept. Plant Sci., Mail Stop 4, Davis, CA 95616
530-754-8715
jmditomaso@ucdavis.edu

List committee members

Carla Bossard
John Randall
Carri Pirosko
Dan Gluesenkamp
Gina Skurka
Brianna Richardson

General Comments

Cal-IPC's concern is effect in desert washes, not in home gardens.

Table 2. Criteria, Section, and Overall Scores

Overall Score? Moderate

Alert Status? No Alert

Documentation? 3.5 out of 5

Score

Documentation

1.1

?Impact on abiotic ecosystem processes

B. Moderate

Reviewed Scientific Publication

Impact?
Four-part score BBCD Total Score
B

1.2

?Impact on plant community

B. Moderate

Reviewed Scientific Publication

1.3

?Impact on higher trophic levels

C. Minor

Other Published Material

1.4

?Impact on genetic integrity

D. None

Other Published Material

2.1

?Role of anthropogenic and natural disturbance in establishment

C. Minor

Reviewed Scientific Publication

Invasiveness?
Total Points
12 Total Score B

2.2

?Local rate of spread with no management

B. Increases less rapidly

Other Published Material

2.3

?Recent trend in total area infested within state

C. Stable

Other Published Material

2.4

?Innate reproductive potential
(see Worksheet A)

A. High

Reviewed Scientific Publication

2.5

?Potential for human-caused dispersal

A. High

Reviewed Scientific Publication

2.6

? Potential for natural long-distance dispersal

C. Rare

Other Published Material

2.7

?Other regions invaded

C. Already invaded

Other Published Material

3.1

?Ecological amplitude/Range
(see Worksheet C)

A. Widespread

Other Published Material

Distribution?
Total Score B

3.2

?Distribution/Peak frequency
(see Worksheet C)

D. Very low

Observational

Table 3. Documentation

Scores are explained in the "Criteria for Categorizing Invasive Non-Native Plants that Threaten Wildlands".

Section 1: Impact
Question 1.1 Impact on abiotic ecosystem processes? Consider the impact on the natural range and variation of abiotic ecosystem processes and system-wide parameters in ways that significantly diminish the ability of native species to survive and reproduce. Alterations that determine the types of communities that can exist in a given area are of greatest concern. Examples of abiotic processes include: - fire occurrence, frequency, and intensity; - geomorphological changes such as erosion and sedimentation rates; - hydrological regimes, including soil water table; - nutrient and mineral dynamics, including salinity, alkalinity, and pH; - light availability (e.g. when an aquatic invader covers an entire water body that would otherwise be open). Select the one letter below that best describes this species' most severe impact on an abiotic ecosystem process: A. Severe, possibly irreversible, alteration or disruption of an ecosystem process. B. Moderate alteration of an ecosystem process. C. Minor alteration of an ecosystem process. D. Negligible perceived impact on an ecosystem process. U. Unknown.	B Reviewed Scientific Publication
Identify ecosystem processes impacted: C. dactyon is considered a potent allelopathic plant. In Arizona, C. dactylon increases substrate stability during floods. Can reduce soil nutrient levels and block light penetration to soil surface. Sources of information:
Question 1.2 Impact on plant community composition, structure, and interactions? Consider the cumulative ecological impact of this species to the plant communities it invades. Give more weight to changes in plant composition, structure, and interactions that involve rare or keystone species or rare community types. Examples of severe impacts include: - formation of stands dominated (>75% cover) by the species; - occlusion (>75% cover) of a native canopy, including a water surface, that eliminates or degrades layers below; - significant reduction or extirpation of populations of one or more native species. Examples of impacts usually less than severe include: - reduction in propagule dispersal, seedling recruitment, or survivorship of native species; - creation of a new structural layer, including substantial thatch or litter, without elimination or replacement of a pre-existing layer; - change in density or depth of a structural layer; - change in horizontal distribution patterns or fragmentation of a native community; - creation of a vector or intermediate host of pests or pathogens that infect native plant species. Select the one letter below that best describes this species' impact on community composition, structure and interactions: A. Severe alteration of plant community composition, structure, or interactions. B. Moderate alteration of plant community composition. C. Minor alteration of community composition. D. Negligible impact known; causes no perceivable change in community composition, structure, or interactions. U. Unknown.	B Reviewed Scientific Publication
Identify type of impact or alteration: C. dactylon forms large dense ground cover mats that can inhibit native flora survival by increasing the density and depth at ground level, thus fragmenting habitat. C. dactylon has been identified as posing a threat to temperate grasslands in North America. Riparian communities in Arizona are severely degraded by C. dactylon. A single shoot from a rhizome may cover 2.5 m2 of soil surface in 150 days after emergence. Sources of information: Labrada, R., J.C. Caseley, and C. Parker. 1994. Weed management for developing countries. FAO Plant Production Paper 120. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization for the United Nations. Grace, J.B., M.D. Smith, S.L. Grace, S.L. Collins, and T.J. Stohlgren. 2001. Interactions between fire and invasive plants in temperate grasslands of North America. Pp. 40-65 in: Galley, K.E.M. and T.P. Wilson, eds. Proceedings of the invasive species workshop: the role of fire in the control and spread of invasive species. Tallahassee, Florida: Tall Timbers Research Station Miscellaneous Publication No. 11. Arizona-Sonoma Desert Museum Programs and Research. 1996-2003. Biological survey of Ironwood Forest National Monument: exotic plants assessment. http://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/ifnm_exotic.html. Dudley, T. 1998. Exotic plant invasions in California riparian areas and wetlands. Fremontia 26(4): 24-29.
Question 1.3 Impact on higher trophic levels? Consider the cumulative impact of this species on the animals, fungi, microbes, and other organisms in the communities that it invades. Although a non-native species may provide resources for one or a few native species (e.g. by providing food, nesting sites, etc.), the ranking should be based on the species' net impact on all native species. Give more weight to changes in composition and interactions involving rare or keystone species or rare community types. Examples of severe impacts include: - extirpation or endangerment of an existing native species or population; - elimination or significant reduction in native species' nesting or foraging sites, cover, or other critical resources (i.e., native species habitat), including migratory corridors. Examples of impacts that are usually less than severe include: - minor reduction in nesting or foraging sites, cover, etc. for native animals; - minor reduction in habitat connectivity or migratory corridors; - interference with native pollinators; - injurious components, such as awns or spines that damage the mouth and gut of native wildlife species, or production of anti-digestive or acutely toxic chemical that can poison native wildlife species. Select the one letter below that best describes this species' impact on community composition and interactions: A. Severe alteration of higher trophic populations, communities, or interactions. B. Moderate alteration of higher trophic level populations, communities, or interactions. C. Minor alteration of higher trophic level populations, communities or interactions. D. Negligible impact; causes no perceivable change in higher trophic level populations, communities, or interactions. E. Unknown.	C Other Published Material
Identify type of impact or alteration: Under drought conditions with high temperatures, C. dactylon may contain hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid), and when ingested it can be poisonous to cattle, sheep, and goats (other herbivores?). C. dactylon has been reported as a host for viral stripe diseases (affecting corn and rice) and several fungal diseases including Bipolaris, Gaeumannomyces, Leptosphaeria, Marasmius, Phyllachora, Puccinia, Sporisorium and Ustilago; however, the impact of these diseases to native flora is unknown. Habitat of the Southwestern willow flycatcher is dominated by C. dactylon. Produces contact dermatitis and is an important cause of hay fever. Sources of information: Anderson, W.P. 1999. Perennial weeds: characteristics and identification of selected species. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University Press. Wilken, D. and Hannah, L. 1998. Cynodon dactylon. Channel Island National Park Service Literature Review. Unpublished. Fuller T.C., McClintock E. Poisonous Plants of California. 1986. University of California Press: Berkeley. Pg. 293.
Question 1.4 Impact on genetic integrity? Consider whether the species can hybridize with and influence the proportion of individuals with non-native genes within populations of native species. Mechanisms and possible outcomes include: - production of fertile or sterile hybrids that can outcompete the native species; - production of sterile hybrids that lower the reproductive output of the native species. Select the one letter below that best describes this species' impact on genetic integrity: A. Severe (high proportion of individuals). B. Moderate (medium proportion of individuals). C. Minor (low proportion of individuals). D. No known hybridization. U. Unknown.	D Other Published Material
No hybridization is known to occur with native California taxa. No native California taxa occur in the genus Cynodon. Sources of information: Hickman, J.C. (ed.). 1993. The Jepson manual of higher plants of California. P. 1248. University of California Press, Berkeley.
Section 2: Invasiveness
Question 2.1 Role of anthropogenic and natural disturbance in establishment? Assess this species' dependence on disturbance: both human and natural: for establishment in wildlands. Examples of anthropogenic disturbances include: - grazing, browsing, and rooting by domestic livestock and feral animals; - altered fire regimes, including fire suppression; - cultivation; - silvicultural practices; - altered hydrology due to dams, diversions, irrigation, etc.; - roads and trails; - construction; - nutrient loading from fertilizers, runoff, etc. Examples of natural disturbance include: - wildfire; - floods; - landslides; - windthrow; - native animal activities such as burrowing, grazing, or browsing. Select the first letter in the sequence below that describes the ability of this species to invade wildlands: A. Severe invasive potential: this species can establish independent of any known natural or anthropogenic disturbance. B. Moderate invasive potential: this species may occasionally establish in undisturbed areas but can readily establish in areas with natural disturbances. C. Low invasive potential: this species requires anthropogenic disturbance to establish. D. No perceptible invasive potential: this species does not establish in wildlands (though it may persist from former cultivation). U. Unknown.	B Other Published Material
Describe role of disturbance: Waste places, grazed areas, roads, trails and cultivation are disturbances that lead to C. dactylon establishment. Typically requires disturbance. Occasionally found in undisturbed areas, but is considered primarily a landscape of crop weed. Sources of information: Ivens, G.W. 1967. East African weeds and their control. Nairobi: Oxford University Press. Johnson, B.J. 1992. Common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) suppression in Zoysia spp. with herbicides. Weed Technology 6: 813-819. Wilken, D. and Hannah, L. 1998. Cynodon dactylon. Channel Island National Park Service Literature Review. Unpublished.
Question 2.2 Local rate of spread with no management? Assess this species' rate of spread in existing localized infestations where the proportion of available habitat invaded is still small when no management measures are implemented. Select the one letter below that best describes the rate of spread: A. Increases rapidly (doubling in <10 years) B. Increases, but less rapidly C. Stable D. Declining U. Unknown	B Other Published Material
Describe rate of spread: In Arizona, spreads slowly once established. Sources of information: Arizona-Sonoma Desert Museum Programs and Research. 1996-2003. Biological survey of Ironwood Forest National Monument: exotic plants assessment. http://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/ifnm_exotic.html.
Question 2.3 Recent trend in total area infested within state? Assess the overall trend in the total area infested by this species statewide. Include current management efforts in this assessment and note them. Select the one letter below that best describes the current trend: A. Increasing rapidly (doubling in total range statewide in <10 years) B. Increasing, but less rapidly C. Stable D. Declining U. Unknown	C Other Published Material
Describe trend: First occurence in 1880, and by 1900, is was widespread throughout central and southern California, and is now grown in cultivation in California. Its current trend is unknown. Not listed as noxious weed in California. Controlled along roadsides, urban areas, and restoration trials in decomissioned hayfields. Sources of information: Wilken, D. and Hannah, L. 1998. Cynodon dactylon. Channel Island National Park Service Literature Review. Unpublished. Knapp, D. 2003. Personal communication.
Question 2.4 Innate reproductive potential? Assess the innate reproductive potential of this species. Worksheet A is provided for computing the score.	A Reviewed Scientific Publication
Describe key reproductive characteristics: In California, flowering occurs from March to August. C. dactylon is wind-pollinatied, and can produce 230 seeds per panicle during the first three months after the initial seed set, but is considered a very sparse seed producer except for some biotypes as in California, where the cultivated biotype has a seedset of 95%. Seed in Australia remains viable in the soil for 3-4 years. The axillary buds at the nodes of rhizomes and stolons provide the principal means of spreading and dispersal. Rhizomes can be superficial or very deep from a few centimeters to over a meter in depth, which allows it to survive a wide range of climatic conditions from flooding to droughts. It is also adapted to a wide range of soil conditions from sand to heavy clay, but grows best in moist well drained soils. Seed can remain dormant in the soil, and they maintain their viability well. Sources of information: Labrada, R., J.C. Caseley, and C. Parker. 1994. Weed management for developing countries. FAO Plant Production Paper 120. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization for the United Nations. Holm, L.G., Doll, J., Holm, E., Pancho, J.V., and Herberger, J.P. 1997. World weeds: natural history and distribution. John Wiley and Sons, New York, USA. Ivens, G.W. 1967. East African weeds and their control. Nairobi: Oxford University Press. Wilken, D. and Hannah, L. 1998. Cynodon dactylon. Channel Island National Park Service Literature Review. Unpublished. Grichar, W. and T. Bosewell. 1989. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) control with postemergence herbicides in peanut (Arachis hypogaea). Weed Technology 3: 267-271. Brown, K. and K. Brooks. 2002. Bushland weeds _ a practical guide to their management. Environmental Weeds Action Network. Greenwood, Australia.
Question 2.5 Potential for human-caused dispersal? Assess whether this species is currently spread: or has high potential to be spread: by direct or indirect human activity. Such activity may enable the species to overcome natural barriers to dispersal that would not be crossed otherwise, or it may simply increase the natural dispersal of the species. Possible mechanisms for dispersal include: - commercial sales for use in agriculture, ornamental horticulture, or aquariums; - use as forage, erosion control, or revegetation; - presence as a contaminant (seeds or propagules) in bulk seed, hay, feed, soil, packing materials, etc.; - spread along transportation corridors such as highways, railroads, trails, or canals; - transport on boats or boat trailers. Select the one letter below that best describes human-caused dispersal and spread: A. High: there are numerous opportunities for dispersal to new areas. B. Moderate: human dispersal occurs, but not at a high level. C. Low: human dispersal is infrequent or inefficient. D. Does not occur. U. Unknown.	A Reviewed Scientific Publication
Identify dispersal mechanisms: Seed can be dispersed by cattle and bison with enhanced germination, and the vegetative reproductive parts can be caught on the mud on the hooves of mammals at watering holes. It can be transported far distances as a contaminant in hay, livestock feed, and soil, and by mowing equipment and vehicles. It is commonly planted in athletic fields, roadsides, airports, lawns in saline conditions in the Southern U.S., and it becomes naturalized in agricultural fields, irrigation canals, orchards, roadsides and waste places. Vegetative structures have been seen clinging to the head and legs of bison on Catalina Island. Transport of soil contaminated with seed to new locations, and horses and cattle disperse it internally also. Sources of information: Holm, L.G., Doll, J., Holm, E., Pancho, J.V., and Herberger, J.P. 1997. World weeds: natural history and distribution. John Wiley and Sons, New York, USA. Anderson, W.P. 1999. Perennial weeds: characteristics and identification of selected species. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University Press. Ivens, G.W. 1967. East African weeds and their control. Nairobi: Oxford University Press. Johnson, B.J. 1992. Common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) suppression in Zoysia spp. with herbicides. Weed Technology 6: 813-819. Wilken, D. and Hannah, L. 1998. Cynodon dactylon. Channel Island National Park Service Literature Review. Unpublished. Knapp, J.J. 2004. Catalina Invasive Plant Ranking Plan for the Catalina Island Conservancy. Unpublished. Arizona-Sonoma Desert Museum Programs and Research. 1996-2003. Biological survey of Ironwood Forest National Monument: exotic plants assessment. http://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/ifnm_exotic.html. Knapp, J.J. 2004. Personal observation from 2002-2004, C. dactylon stolons matted to the face of bison on Catalina Island. (310) 510-1299, jknapp@catalinaconservancy.org.
Question 2.6 Potential for natural long-distance dispersal? We have chosen 1 km as the threshold of "long-distance." Assess whether this species is frequently spread, or has high potential to be spread, by animals or abiotic mechanisms that can move seed, roots, stems, or other propagules this far. The following are examples of such natural long-distance dispersal mechanisms: - the species' fruit or seed is commonly consumed by birds or other animals that travel long distances; - the species' fruits or seeds are sticky or burred and cling to feathers or hair of animals; - the species has buoyant fruits, seeds, or other propagules that are dispersed by flowing water; - the species has light propagules that promote long-distance wind dispersal; - The species, or parts of it, can detach and disperse seeds as they are blown long distances (e.g., tumbleweed). Select the one letter below that best describes natural long-distance dispersal and spread: A. Frequent long-distance dispersal by animals or abiotic mechanisms. B. Occasional long-distance dispersal by animals or abiotic mechanisms. C. Rare dispersal more than 1 km by animals or abiotic mechanisms. D. No dispersal of more than 1 km by animals or abiotic mechanisms. U. Unknown.	C Other Published Material
Identify dispersal mechanisms: Rhizomes and seeds can be dispersed by wind and water, and seeds survive submerged for 50 days. Ants act as short distance vectors. Sources of information: Holm, L.G., Doll, J., Holm, E., Pancho, J.V., and Herberger, J.P. 1997. World weeds: natural history and distribution. John Wiley and Sons, New York, USA. Brown, K. and K. Brooks. 2002. Bushland weeds _ a practical guide to their management. Environmental Weeds Action Network. Greenwood, Australia. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. 2000. Weed control by species. Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. Pp. 1-57.
Question 2.7 Other regions invaded? Assess whether this species has invaded ecological types in other states or countries outside its native range that are analogous to ecological types not yet invaded in your state (see Worksheets B, C, and D for California, Arizona, and Nevada, respectively, in Part IV for lists of ecological types). This information is useful in predicting the likelihood of further spread within your state. Select the one letter below that best describes the species' invasiveness in other states or countries, outside its native range. A. This species has invaded 3 or more ecological types elsewhere that exist in your state and are as yet not invaded by this species (e.g. it has invaded Mediterranean grasslands, savanna, and maquis in southern Europe, which are analogous to California grasslands, savanna, and chaparral, respectively). B. Invades 1 or 2 ecological types that exist but are not yet invaded in your state. C. Invades elsewhere but only in ecological types that it has already invaded in the state. D. Not known as an escape anywhere else. U. Unknown.	C Other Published Material
Identify other regions: C. dactylon occur in regions from 45 degrees north and south latitudes. In arid regions, it invades river banks and stream beds. It is ranked second among the worst weeds of the world in agricultural areas. It is considered a damaging and aggressively invasive plant in other parts of the world, and is suspected of being so on the Galapagos Islands. Between 1983-1994, bermuda grass jumped from being absent on the Weed Science Society's list of the worst weeds to ranking 10th. Most problems were in the southern states. Scoring as C because already widespread in California. Sources of information: Holm, L.G., Doll, J., Holm, E., Pancho, J.V., and Herberger, J.P. 1997. World weeds: natural history and distribution. John Wiley and Sons, New York, USA. Anderson, W.P. 1999. Perennial weeds: characteristics and identification of selected species. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University Press. Tye, A. 2001. Invasive plant problems and requirements for weed risk assessment in the Galapagos Islands. Pp. 153-175. Groves, R.H., F.D. Panetta and J.G. Virtue (eds.). Weed Risk Assessment. CSIRO Publishing: Collingwood, Victoria, Australia Webster, T. M. and H. D. Coble. 1997. Changes in the weed species composition of the southern United States: 1974-1995. Weed Technology 11(2): 308-317
Section 3: Distribution
Question 3.1 Ecological amplitude/Range? Refer to Worksheet C and select the one letter below that indicates the number of different ecological types that this species invades. A. Widespread: the species invades at least three major types or at least six minor types. B. Moderate: the species invades two major types or five minor types. C. Limited: the species invades only one major type and two to four minor types. D. Narrow: the species invades only one minor type. U. Unknown.	A Other Published Material
In California, the first record appeared in both San Jose and San Bernardino in 1880. It occurs on the all northern Channel Islands and nearly all counties west of the Sierra Nevada. Sources of information: Wilken, D. and Hannah, L. 1998. Cynodon dactylon. Channel Island National Park Service Literature Review. Unpublished.
Question 3.2 Distribution/Peak frequency? To assess distribution, record the letter that corresponds to the highest percent infested score entered in Worksheet C for any ecological type.	D Observational
Describe distribution: Not common in wildlands. Sources of information: Knapp, observational.

Worksheet A - Innate reproductive potential

Reaches reproductive maturity in 2 years or less	Yes
Dense infestations produce >1,000 viable seed per square meter	Yes
Populations of this species produce seeds every year.	Yes
Seed production sustained over 3 or more months within a population annually	Yes
Seeds remain viable in soil for three or more years	Yes
Viable seed produced with both self-pollination and cross-pollination	Unknown
Has quickly spreading vegetative structures (rhizomes, roots, etc.) that may root at nodes	Yes
Fragments easily and fragments can become established elsewhere	Yes
Resprouts readily when cut, grazed, or burned	Yes
Total points:	11
Total unknowns:	1
Total score:	A? Scoring Criteria for Worksheet A A. High reproductive potential (6 or more points). B. Moderate reproductive potential (4-5 points). C. Low reproductive potential (3 points or less and less than 3 Unknowns). U. Unknown (3 or fewer points and 3 or more Unknowns).

Related traits:

Worksheet B - Arizona Ecological Types is not included here

Worksheet C - California Ecological Types

(sensu Holland 1986)

Major Ecological Types	Minor Ecological Types	Code? A means >50% of type occurrences are invaded; B means 20% to 50%; C means 5% to 20%; D means present but <5%; U means unknown (unable to estimate percentage of occurrences invaded)
Marine Systems	marine systems
Freshwater and Estuarine	lakes, ponds, reservoirs
Aquatic Systems	rivers, streams, canals
Aquatic Systems	estuaries
Dunes	coastal	D, < 5%
	desert
	interior
Scrub and Chaparral	coastal bluff scrub
	coastal scrub	D, < 5%
	Sonoran desert scrub
	Mojavean desert scrub (incl. Joshua tree woodland)
	Great Basin scrub
	chenopod scrub
	montane dwarf scrub
	Upper Sonoran subshrub scrub
	chaparral
Grasslands, Vernal Pools, Meadows, and other Herb Communities	coastal prairie	D, < 5%
	valley and foothill grassland
	Great Basin grassland
	vernal pool
	meadow and seep
	alkali playa
	pebble plain
Bog and Marsh	bog and fen
Bog and Marsh	marsh and swamp
Riparian and Bottomland habitat	riparian forest
	riparian woodland
	riparian scrub (incl.desert washes)	D, < 5%
Woodland	cismontane woodland
	piñon and juniper woodland
	Sonoran thorn woodland
Forest	broadleaved upland forest
	North Coast coniferous forest
	closed cone coniferous forest
	lower montane coniferous forest
	upper montane coniferous forest
	subalpine coniferous forest
Alpine Habitats	alpine boulder and rock field
Alpine Habitats	alpine dwarf scrub
	Amplitude (breadth):	B
	Distribution (highest score):	D

Infested Jepson Regions

Click here for a map of Jepson regions

CA Floristic Province
Cascade Range
Central West
Great Valley
Northwest
Sierra Nevada
Southwest
Modoc Plateau
Sierra Nevada East
Desert Province
Mojave Desert
Sonoran Desert

California Invasive Plant Council

Protecting California’s environment and economy from invasive plants

Plant Assessment Form

More Cynodon dactylon resources

Cynodon dactylon

Evaluator(s)

List committee members

General Comments

Table 2. Criteria, Section, and Overall Scores

Table 3. Documentation

Worksheet A - Innate reproductive potential

Related traits:

Worksheet C - California Ecological Types

Infested Jepson Regions