The main difference between Bermuda and St. Augustine grass is that Bermuda grass is highly drought resistant, whereas St. Augustine grass is less drought resistant.
Bermuda and St. Augustine grass are great lawn grasses in the warm season. They are turfgrasses with narrow-leaved grasses that can produce a uniform, long-lived ground cover.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Bermuda Grass
– Definition, Features, Importance
2. What is St. Augustine Grass
– Definition, Features, Importance
3. Similarities Between Bermuda and St. Augustine Grass
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Bermuda and St. Augustine Grass
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Bermuda Grass, Buffalo Grass, Crabgrass, Cynodon dactylon, St. Augustine Grass
What is Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is a type of grass that is native to Europe, Africa, Australia, and much of Asia but was introduced to America. Also, it is an invasive species in Bermuda known as crabgrass. Cynodon dactylon is the scientific name of the Bermuda grass. Also, it contains gray-green color blades up to 15 cm long. They have rough edges. The stems are flat and tinged in purple color. They can grow up to 30 cm. Two to six clustered spikes produce seeds of the Bermuda grass. The length of the spike is 5 cm. Bermuda grass especially contains a deep root system. They can grow over 2 m in length.
Figure 1: Bermuda Grass
Furthermore, the grass contains stolons creeping around the ground. The roots form a mat whenever they touch the ground. Seeds, roots, and rhizomes are the reproductive structures of the Bermuda grass. The optimum growth of the grass occurs at 24 and 37 °C, and the growth starts above 15 °C. Also, the full sun promotes growth. Therefore, Bermuda grass can be cultivated in warm climates.
What is St. Augustine Grass
St. Augustine grass is another type of turfgrass that is also known as buffalo turf in Australia and buffalo grass in South Africa. The family of the grass is Poaceae. It is popular as a warm-season lawn grass in tropical and subtropical regions. The color of the grass is dark green, and the blades are flat and broad. Runners form a dense layer of the grass. Both sides of the Atlantic Ocean grow St. Augustin grass. The propagation of the grass is by plugs, sprigs, or sod. It can propagate on its own or can be cultivated. It can grow in various soil types, and the pH can be 5.0 to 8.5. it blooms in both spring and summer.
Figure 2: St. Augustine Grass
Moreover, St. Augustine grass is somewhat less drought resistant. But it is a popular grass. It grows in the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America, Texas.
Similarities Between Bermuda and St. Augustine Grass
- Bermuda and St. Augustine grass are two turfgrasses.
- They are good for lawns in the warm season.
- Also, they have narrow-leaved grasses that can produce a uniform, long-lived ground cover.
Difference Between Bermuda and St. Augustine Grass
Definition
Bermuda grass refers to creeping grass common in warmer parts of the world, used for lawns and pastures. In contrast, St. Augustine grass refers to a tropical perennial grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) with much-branched creeping stems used as a lawn grass and sand binder, especially in the southern U.S.
Resistance in Drought
Bermuda grass is highly drought-resistant, while St. Augustine grass is low drought-resistant.
Water Requirement
Bermuda grass tolerates hot weather in summer without water, while St. Augustine grass requires a lot of water.
Shade Resistance
Bermuda grass is not shade-resistant, while St. Augustine grass is shade-resistant.
Conclusion
In brief, Bermuda grass and St. Augustine grass are turfgrass types that can grow in the warm seasons. Bermuda grass is highly drought-resistant and tolerates hot summer weather. But it is not shade-resistant. In comparison, St. Augustine grass is low drought resistant and requires much water. However, St. Augustine grass is shade-resistant. Therefore, the main difference between Bermuda grass and St. Augustine grass is their drought resistance.
References:
- Cynodon dactylon Wikipedia
- Augustine grass. Wikipedia
Image Courtesy:
- “Cynodon dactylon” By MPF – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
- “St. Augustine grass with St. Augustine Decline infection” By Novasource – Own work (CC-BY SA 2.5) via Commons Wikimedia
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