Bermudagrass

Description

• creeping grass with spike-like appendages alternately arranged along a thick wiry stem overlaid with papery sheaths; produces stolons (aboveground stems) and rhizomes (underground stems)
• flowers and seeds are produced on whorled spikes (three to seven spikes per stalk) 1 – 2 inches long

Location

• forms weedy patches in lawn areas and plants; can invade planting beds

Life Cycle

• warm season perennial grass with spreading stems that root at nodes (growing points) to form new plants; rhizomes can grow 6 inches or deeper into underlying soil
• bermudagrass grows aggressively during summer months but is dormant from early fall until late spring
• patches are easy to spot in cool season turfgrass because bermudagrass foliage turns brown when dormant

IPM Recommendations

• Due to its aggressive spreading nature, use geotextile or plastic mulch to completely eliminate light to all plant parts; geotextile mulches can break down or tear, providing pathways for bermudagrass to escape.
• Apply an appropriate post-emergent herbicide directly to target weeds. More than one herbicide application may be necessary to kill all spreading structures.