Bermudagrass Cynodon Play pronunciation

Bermudagrass, a hybrid between C. dactylon and C. transvaalensis, is a warm-season, herbaceous perennial weed in the grass family (Poaceae) and native from the temperate and subtropical regions of Europe, Africa and Asia to Australia. Although it grows just 3 to 6  inches high and wide, its dense, creeping habit and rapid growth rate cause it to form thick mats that are difficult to control. It is an invasive plant in North Carolina. . 

Bermudagrass spreads by rhizomes, stolons and seeds and tolerates a wide range of growing conditions, yet not winter temperatures below 10 degrees F.  Once it is established, it will spread vigorously and uncontrollably and cannot be removed without resorting to repeated applications of herbicides. Soil barriers may help slow its spread into adjacent areas. 

Bermudagrass is widely used on athletic fields and golf course fairways due to its high tolerance for heavy traffic. In other settings, it is considered a highly invasive and difficult-to-control weed. Be wary of introducing this turfgrass to a residential lawn. Consider a less problematic warm-season grass such as zoysiagrass, St. Augustine grass or centipedegrass.

Diseases, Insects and Other Plant Problems: White grubs are the most common insect problem. Additional insects of concern include sod webworms, cutworms, armyworms, nematodes and mole crickets. Watch for mites. With its high production of pollen, it can be a major cause of hay fever. Refer to TurfFiles for cultural and chemical management. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a fact sheet on common southern lawn diseases.