Weeds: Bermudagrass – Cynodon dactylon

• Family: Poaceae (Graminae)
• Cycle: Perennial
• Plant type: Grass

Biology

Bermudagrass is a warm-season perennial grass that typically is prostrate and spreads to form dense patches. Spread occurs by both rhizomes and aboveground stems which root at the nodes. The leaves are narrow (to about 1/5″ wide) and pointed, generally with smooth surfaces. Leaf length ranges from one to eight inches. Foliage is often gray-green in color. The ligule, found at the junction between the leaf blade and leaf sheath, consists of a ring of white hairs. The hairy ligule is a distinguishing characteristic of this species. Leaf blades are frequently oriented at almost right angles to the stem. Seeds occur on upright flowering stems, which typically bear a terminal whorl of three or more spikes. Each spike is up to two inches long and is attached at the base directly to the stem.

Habitat

Bermudagrass can be found in fields, meadows, lawns, and waste areas on most soil types. It typically is found in sunny areas in central Washington.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• None recommended

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• Apply products to weeds when actively growing.
• Spot treatments with certain post-emergent herbicides will control weedy grasses, but will also kill the turf.
• Glyphosate products should be applied as spot treatments only!
• NOTE: Some ingredients listed here are only available in combination.
• Read the label carefully on combination products to make sure the product is suitable for your specific situation.

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