Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a common warm-season turfgrass in warmer climates. Like many plants, it produces flowers as part of its natural life cycle. Homeowners often call these flowers “seed heads,” which can appear as distinct structures emerging from the lawn. Understanding seed heads helps maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing lawn.
What is a Bermuda Grass Flower?
Bermuda grass flowers, also known as seed heads, are for reproduction by producing seeds. These structures appear on slender stalks above the grass blades. They often resemble a small “Y” or “star” shape, sometimes called a “chicken foot,” with three to five prongs from a central point.
The individual flowers on these spikes are small and can range from green to purplish. Their presence can give a lawn a less uniform or hazy appearance, which many homeowners find undesirable.
The Bermuda Grass Flowering Cycle
Bermuda grass produces flowers from late spring through fall, especially when temperatures are above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This flowering allows it to produce viable seeds, particularly in common varieties. Seed head production can also be a response to environmental stresses.
Factors like drought, insufficient watering, low nutrient levels, compacted soil, or infrequent mowing can accelerate seed head appearance. When stressed, the grass may prioritize reproduction to ensure survival, leading to more flowers. While some hybrid Bermuda grass varieties produce sterile seeds or fewer seed heads, common types produce abundant, fertile seeds.
Managing Bermuda Grass Flowering
Managing Bermuda grass flowering involves consistent cultural practices to promote a healthy, dense lawn. Regular mowing at the correct height is the most direct way to control seed head visibility. Frequent mowing removes emerging flower stalks before they become prominent, maintaining a uniform lawn appearance.
Beyond mowing, ensuring adequate water and nutrients can reduce the plant’s need to flower as a stress response. Deep, infrequent irrigation and appropriate fertilization during peak growth support overall turf health, leading to fewer visible seed heads. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) can suppress vertical growth and seed head development in extreme cases.
Other Considerations
Bermuda grass pollen can be an allergen for some individuals, causing symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and an itchy throat. The peak pollen period extends from early summer through mid-autumn. Some hybridized Bermuda grass varieties produce little to no pollen, offering an option for allergy sufferers.
It is important to differentiate Bermuda grass seed heads from those of common weeds like crabgrass or bahiagrass, which have a similar appearance. A well-maintained lawn with proper mowing, watering, and fertilization often exhibits fewer visible seed heads, contributing to a more desirable aesthetic.