The resilient grass named for a dog's tooth that dominates global landscapes and greens

Gardening · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Cynodon, known commonly as Bermuda grass, is a botanical powerhouse native to the Old World. Valued for its remarkable drought tolerance, it is a staple on golf courses and sports fields. Yet, this same resilience makes it a persistent, difficult-to-eradicate weed in gardens, spreading through fragile, regenerative underground stems.

The name Cynodon derives from the Ancient Greek words for dog, kúōn, and tooth, odoús, reflecting its common moniker, dog's tooth grass. While native to warm temperate and tropical regions of the Old World, the genus has been widely introduced across the New World and various oceanic islands. It encompasses several distinct species, including C. dactylon, C. nlemfuensis, and C. transvaalensis, though botanical classification remains fluid as researchers reassign various species to other genera like Digitaria or Poa.

The popularity of Cynodon, particularly C. dactylon, stems from its exceptional hardiness. In the Sunbelt of the United States, it is favored for lawns because it survives dry conditions that would wither other grasses. This same durability makes it the preferred surface for high-traffic areas, including football fields, baseball diamonds, and golf course greens. However, its strength is also its primary drawback for homeowners; it spreads via rhizomes and stolons, which break easily when pulled, allowing the plant to rapidly re-establish itself in flower beds and lawns.

Controlling Cynodon is notoriously difficult. Because it is so robust, using herbicides often risks damaging surrounding vegetation. Furthermore, the plant is not without its controversies. Recent reports have highlighted a concerning incident in Texas, where a Bermuda-derived F1 hybrid known as Tifton 85 was linked to the deaths of a cattle herd after the grass allegedly began producing cyanide. Beyond these agricultural concerns, the grass is also susceptible to specific pathogens, such as the fungus Ustilago cynodontis, which causes a condition known as Bermuda grass smut. Despite these challenges, its global footprint continues to expand, cementing its status as one of the most ubiquitous grasses on the planet.

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