Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.

Bermuda Grass; Scutch Grass

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Bermuda Grass is an introduced herbaceous perennial in the Grass family (Poaceae). It occurs widely in tropical and subtropical areas around the world, and its native range is uncertain. It most likely originated in tropical Africa, the Mediterranean area, or India/Bangladesh. The first record of it being imported into the United States is from Savannah Georgia in 1751 by Governor Henry Ellis. It was likely cultivated earlier by the Spanish in Florida. Bermuda Grass occurs throughout Alabama. It is cultivated in lawns and on sports fields, planted for erosion control, and is used as a pasture grass for hay production. It escapes to roadsides, field edges, vacant lots, and other disturbed sites. Bermuda Grass is a warm season carpet grass with long scaly rhizomes and thin stolons. It is highly variable in growth form and many cultivars and hybrids have been developed. Common turf varieties such as `Bradley', `Sunturf', `Tiffine', and `Tiflawn' are hybrids between Bermuda Grass and African Bermuda Grass (C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy). Bermuda Grass culms are erect and vary from 1-20 inches in height. The sheaths are glabrous with long white hairs at the collar. The leaves are ½ - 2 ½ inches in length, linear in outline, flat, and glabrous or pubescent on the lower surface. Flowers are produced in panicles. The panicles usually have 4-6 branches in a single whorl. The fruit is a grain. The leaves of Bermuda Grass are rich in Vitamin C and are crushed and made into a tea in India. Bermuda Grass has also been used as a home remedy for heartburn or indigestion, and as a charm to ward off sorcery. It is a common weed of agricultural fields and can be difficult to eradicate once established.—A. Diamond.

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Not Native

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