Common Bermudagrass
Common Bermudagrass is a perennial grass that is frequently used for lawns, but its creeping growth and prolific seeding makes it a problem weed that invades lawns consisting of other grass types, unplanted areas and gardens.
The roots can grow several feet deep, making it resistant to drought and heat and hard to eliminate. The blades are 1/8 inch wide and attached to hairy, gray-green stems. Flower heads are upright with four to five 2-inch-long, arching florets, all originating from the very top of the spike.
Hybrid Bermudagrass is less aggressive, does not produce seeds and is a more desirable variety. Bermudagrass is best eliminated by using a combination of contact and pre-emergent herbicides. In lawns where Bermudagrass has overtaken more desirable grasses, renovation is often the best option.
Location
Common Bermudagrass is found in California and southern areas of the United States.
Related or Similar Plants
Devilgrass, Wiregrass, Dog's Tooth Grass, Goosegrass, Dallisgrass.
Cultural Solutions
Where Bermudagrass is a weed, mow lawn grasses higher than 1½ inches.
• Withhold watering from affected area to dry out the shoots below the ground.
• Rake to remove shoots above and below the ground.
• Avoid spreading creeping stems and seeds to new areas with lawn mowers.
• Soil solarization.
• In garden beds, plant through landscape fabric.
