Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is not native to Texas, despite its widespread presence across the state’s lawns, parks, and agricultural fields. This warm-season grass is the most commonly used turfgrass throughout Texas, leading to a common misconception about its origins. The species is an introduced plant that arrived in the Americas through historical movement. Understanding its history and environmental role clarifies why this grass is so successful in the Texas climate.
The True Origin of Bermuda Grass
The native range of Bermuda grass spans the Old World, originating primarily in the Indian Ocean Basin, which includes parts of Africa and Eurasia. It was introduced to tropical and subtropical areas worldwide due to its desirable characteristics. It was brought to the Americas by the early 1800s, likely through colonial trade routes or specifically for use as a warm-season forage crop in the southern United States.
Its movement into Texas was part of its spread across the southern states, where it quickly became established in pastures and turf landscapes. The grass is now found in all regions of Texas, serving as the most important warm-season perennial grass for improved pastures. Its ability to thrive in warm climates secured its place in the state’s environment.
Its Ecological Status in Texas
Bermuda grass is classified in Texas as a non-native, introduced species that often acts as an aggressive, naturalized plant. It possesses specific biological traits that allow it to outcompete Texas native flora, making it a troublesome species. Its competitive mechanism is a dual reproductive system, utilizing both above-ground runners (stolons) and deep, underground stems (rhizomes).
These extensive rhizomes make the grass extremely difficult to eradicate once established, as fragments can quickly regenerate new plants. Furthermore, Bermuda grass utilizes C4 photosynthesis, a highly efficient process that allows it to thrive in the intense heat and full sun of a Texas summer. This robust growth crowds out native grasses and other prairie plants, leading to a reduction in local biodiversity.
The popularity of Bermuda grass also raises concerns about resource consumption, particularly water. While drought-resistant varieties exist, the grass generally requires supplemental irrigation to maintain a lush appearance. This need places an increased strain on local water resources during dry periods. Its aggressive nature also means it is a common weed in agricultural fields, where it competes directly with cultivated plants for nutrients and moisture.
Managing Bermuda Grass and Native Alternatives
Eradicating established Bermuda grass is challenging for homeowners and land managers due to its deep rhizome structure. For small areas, persistent hand-removal of both the stolons and the entire rhizome system is necessary. In larger areas, control often requires carefully managed application of herbicides or repeated tilling to bring the rhizomes to the surface to dry out.
Instead of fighting the introduced grass, many Texans are transitioning to native alternatives better adapted to the local climate. Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a true Texas native that provides a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant turf option.
Native Alternatives
Other native grasses, such as Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and Curly Mesquite Grass (Hilaria belangeri), are often mixed with buffalograss to create native turf blends for lawns. For areas where traditional turf is not desired, native groundcovers like Texas frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) offer an alternative that requires little water and provides ecological benefits. Selecting these native options helps conserve water and supports local ecosystems, thriving in Texas conditions without the high water and maintenance demands of non-native turf.