Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org

Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)

Synonym(s): Capriola dactylon, Panicum dactylon

Duration: Perennial

Habit: Grass/Grasslike

Listed by:
Invasive Plant Atlas of the US: 1
Federal Noxious Weed: 0
TDA Noxious Weed: 0
TPWD Prohibited Exotic Species: 0

Description: Highly variable sod-forming perennial with extensive creeping rhizomes and stolons, to 0.4 m tall. Bermudagrass is commonly grown as durable turf or forage in tropical to warm temperate regions nearly worldwide. Numerous hybrids and cultivars have been developed, including some that tolerate cooler conditions. Because of its vigorous creeping habit, bermudagrass is a noxious weed in many situations where warm season moisture is ample. Contact with plants can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals, and the pollen is a common allergen. Mature bermudagrass pastures have occasionally been implicated in livestock photosensitization or neurological syndromes, especially in late fall or early winter. Toxic symptoms may be due to molds or fungi sometimes associated with bermudagrass. Bermudagrass utilizes the C4 photosynthetic pathway.

History: Introduced from Africa.

Biology & Spread: Reproduces vegetatively from creeping rhizomes and stolons and by seed. Rhizome and stolon fragments disperse with landscaping and agricultural activities, and soil movement. Re-growth from fragments is greatest from soil depths to 5 cm (2 in). Seeds disperse with water, soil movement, agricultural and landscape machinery, as a commercial seed impurity, in livestock feeds and bedding, and with other human activities. Seeds germinate spring through fall when temperature and moisture conditions are favorable. Some seeds survive up to ~ 3-4 years under field conditions. Hybrids and other Cynodon species seldom produce viable seed.

Ecological Threat: Listed as one of the three most troublesome weeds in crops such as: surgarcane, cotton, corn and vineyards, bermudagrass is difficult to eradicate once established due to deep rhizomes and rapid reproduction rate. Massive spread is facilitated by the broad genetic variability it possess by being a tetraploid. This allows bermudagrass to be highly fertile and become established in a broad range of habitats.

US Habitat: Disturbed sites, gardens, agronomic crops, orchards, turf, landscaped and forestry areas. Grows in areas that are irrigated or receive some warm season moisture and on most soil types. Tolerates acidic, alkaline, or saline conditions or limited flooding. Temperatures below -1? C (30? F) kill above ground parts. Optimal growth occurs when daytime temperatures are between 35-38? C (95-100? F). Grows poorly in shade.

Distribution

US Nativity: Introduced to U.S.

Native Origin: Old World (Bailey, L.H. and E.Z. Bailey, Hortus Third: A Concise Dictionary of Plants Cultivated in the United States and Canada, MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc., New York , (1977).); NatureServe Explorer

US States: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VI, WA, WV

Resembles/Alternatives:

Management: General: Persistent hand removal of rhizomes and stolons can eliminate bermudagrass from small areas. Tilling or discing as needed to expose rhizomes to sun-drying or freezing temperatures, or summer solarization in moist soil for 6 weeks can control infestations. Systemic herbicide is most effective when applied to non-water-stressed plants after flowering in summer to mid-fall, before plants go dormant. Mowing at a height of 5-8 cm (2-3 in) can help discourage bermudagrass spread among more desirable turfgrasses. Cleaning mowers and agricultural machinery after use in bermudagrass infested areas can prevent dispersal of rhizomes and stolons.

USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL.

Listing Source

Texas Department ofAgriculture Noxious Plant List
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Prohibited Exotic Species
Invaders Program
Federal Noxious Weed
Union of Concerned Scientists
United States Forest Service Southern Research Station

Text References

Encycloweedia, California Department of Food and Agriculture

Data Source

Last Updated: 2021-05-08 by LBJWFC