A beautiful, lush green lawn is a source of pride for homeowners. But with so many grass species available, choosing the most appropriate one can be difficult. So, to help you out, we explore two grass species below — Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) and centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides). We look at similarities between the two, along with their unique attributes.
Bermuda Grass vs. Centipede Grass: Comparison
Looking at distinct categories of characteristics makes it easier to see the differences between Bermuda grass and centipede grass. The chart below outlines each.
Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) and centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) are warm-weather grasses that do not tolerate the cold. So they are commonly found gracing lawns in the southern United States.
But while Bermuda grass and centipede grass share a few commonalities, they have a lot of differences. Some differences include their origin, uses, leaves, root system, and growing requirements. We examine each of these areas more below.
| Bermuda Grass | Centipede Grass | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Classification | Cynodon dactylon | Eremochloa ophiuroides |
| Common Name(s) | Bermuda grass; Devil’s grass | Centipede grass |
| Origins | It is native to subtropical and tropical regions around the globe. | It is native to Southeast Asia and China. |
| Uses | This turf grass is commonly found on lawns, golf courses, and athletic fields. | Found in southern lawns with low-traffic. |
| Leaves | Leaf colors range from gray and silver to green. The linear and hairy leaves are thin, only reaching 1/10 inch wide. But they grow up to 6 inches long. | Light to medium-colored green leaves that grow up to 5 inches long. Leaves have a coarser texture. |
| Roots | Bermuda grass is deeply rooted, which allows for rapid growth. | Shallow root system. |
| Growing Requirements | It needs full sun and soil with good drainage. This grass is high-maintenance and a nutrient hog. It is heat, drought, and high-traffic tolerant but does not like cold weather. Propagate from seed. Not picky about soil types. Perennial in Zones 6 to 10. | Heat and partial shade tolerant. Low maintenance and needs fewer nutrients than other grass species. Centipede grass does not like alkaline soil. Not drought tolerant. It needs more water than many other species. It spreads by stolons, grows slowly, and is not high-traffic tolerant. |
| Fun Facts | It was fully established as a popular lawn grass in the United States by 1807. Easily confused with crabgrass. | This grass arrived in the southern United States in the early 1900s. |
Bermuda Grass vs. Centipede Grass: Origin
Bermuda grass is native to subtropical and tropical regions around the globe. It is common in parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia.
On the other hand, centipede grass is native to China and Southeast Asia.
Bermuda Grass vs. Centipede Grass: Uses
Both Bermuda grass and centipede grass are considered invasive weeds in some areas. But Bermuda grass has the greatest reputation for this due to its rapid growth rate.
However, in areas where these grasses are not considered invasive, Bermuda grass makes an excellent addition to lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and other public spaces. This extensive use is due to its resilient nature. Bermuda grass holds up well to heavy use and high traffic.
Centipede grass does not like high-traffic areas, though. Its slow growth means the grass takes a long time to regenerate after heavy use. Due to this, centipede grass is ideal for lawns that are low-maintenance and receive little to no traffic.
Bermuda grass holds up well in high-traffic areas such as athletic fields.
©Joyjiraporn/Shutterstock.com
Bermuda Grass vs. Centipede Grass: Leaves
The leaves of Bermuda grass are green, with a hint of gray/silver. They are extremely thin and measure only about 1/10 inch wide. However, the blades can reach up to 6 inches in length. Apart from some hairs, Bermuda grass leaves are relatively smooth.
In contrast, the leaves of centipede grass are light to medium green in color. They are coarser to the touch and slightly shorter, growing up to 5 inches long.
Bermuda Grass vs. Centipede Grass: Roots
The popular Bermuda grass has a deep root system that often extends up to 6 inches down. Its extensive and deep roots provide a second avenue of growth via its rhizomes. So it grows extremely rapidly and can often take over an area.
In contrast, centipede grass has a fairly shallow root system. It can get damaged easily and is slow to recover.
Bermuda Grass vs. Centipede Grass: Growing Requirements
Bermuda grass is highly heat and drought-tolerant. Additionally, it can survive in almost any soil conditions, provided there is full sun. It is perennial in Zones 6-10 but will grow year-round in warmer climates.
This grass species is extremely high-maintenance and requires a lot of nutrients. You can propagate it by direct sowing seed. Just be prepared to put effort into its care.
On the other hand, centipede grass is picky about its soil conditions. While heat tolerant, it is not drought tolerant and requires regular watering. Additionally, it cannot survive in alkaline soil. Therefore, the regions it grows in are limited.
However, centipede grass can tolerate partial shade and needs significantly fewer nutrients.
Centipede grass is heat tolerant but not drought tolerant.
©MarkS26/Shutterstock.com
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