Cynodon is a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae (order Poales), comprising roughly a dozen species of warm-season perennial grasses commonly called Bermuda grass or dog's tooth grass. The genus is native to the warm temperate to tropical regions of the Old World — spanning Africa, the Mediterranean basin, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of Asia — and has been widely introduced and naturalized across the Americas, Australia, and many oceanic islands.
Members of Cynodon are low-growing, creeping grasses that spread aggressively by rhizomes and stolons, forming dense, mat-like turf. This stoloniferous and rhizomatous growth habit makes them remarkably tolerant of drought, foot traffic, and mowing, which accounts for their widespread use as lawn and sports-turf grasses in warm regions, particularly across the Sunbelt states of the United States.
The most economically important species is Cynodon dactylon, which is cultivated globally as a lawn grass, pasture grass, and stabilization cover. The genus also includes C. nlemfuensis (African star grass), C. plectostachyus (giant star grass), and C. transvaalensis (fine-leaved Bermuda grass), among others. Hybrid cultivars, such as the widely planted Tifton series, have been developed for superior turf performance. Beyond turf, several species are used as forage for livestock, though there have been reports of certain hybrids accumulating cyanogenic compounds under stress conditions.
Cynodon can behave as a persistent weed in flower beds and mixed turf, where its rhizomes and stolons break easily when pulled, allowing regeneration from fragments. The genus name is from the Greek words for "dog" and "tooth," reflecting the pointed, tooth-like projections on the plant's creeping stems or glumes.
Etymology
The name Cynodon is derived from the Ancient Greek κύων (kúōn, "dog") and ὀδούς (odoús, "tooth"), meaning "dog-tooth." This gives rise to the common name "dog's tooth grass," used alongside the more widely recognized "Bermuda grass."
Distribution
Cynodon is native to the warm temperate and tropical regions of the Old World, including Africa, the Mediterranean, the Indian subcontinent, and Asia. Through cultivation and accidental introduction, it is now naturalized across the Americas, Australia, and numerous oceanic islands, making it one of the most cosmopolitan grass genera.
Ecology
Cynodon species thrive in open, disturbed, and seasonally dry habitats across tropical and warm temperate zones. Their stoloniferous growth allows rapid colonization of bare ground, riverbanks, roadsides, and agricultural margins. In regions outside their native range they are often considered invasive, outcompeting native vegetation. At least one hybrid cultivar (Tifton 85) has been reported to produce cyanogenic compounds under certain environmental stress conditions, posing risks to grazing livestock.
Cultivation
Species in Cynodon — most notably C. dactylon and its hybrids — are among the most widely planted warm-season lawn and sports-turf grasses worldwide. They are prized for drought tolerance, rapid recovery from wear, and fine texture. Propagation is typically by rhizomes, stolons, or seeds. Cynodon grasses are commonly used on golf course putting greens and on professional football and baseball fields. Because of their vigorous vegetative spread, they can invade garden beds and other grasses, and are difficult to eradicate once established.
