Randall grass, also known as Cynodon dactylon or Bermuda grass, is a warm-season perennial grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to warm and tropical regions, but has been widely naturalized in various parts of the world. The grass received its common name, Randall grass, from the American botanist Samuel Barron Randall.
Randall grass is known for its fine texture, dense growth, and vigorous spreading capabilities, making it highly popular in lawns, athletic fields, golf courses, and other recreational areas. It thrives in hot and humid climates, with good tolerance to drought, salt, and heat. The grass has a deep root system that aids in water and nutrient absorption, enhancing its resilience to adverse conditions.
This grass typically forms a low-growing, creeping mat that can reach a height of 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm). It displays a vibrant green color during the growing season and turns brownish when exposed to colder temperatures or drought stress. Randall grass spreads rapidly through above-ground runners called stolons, as well as underground stems called rhizomes.
However, while Randall grass provides several benefits, it also has some disadvantages. It can be invasive, outcompeting and replacing native plant species in certain regions. Its rapid growth can invade neighboring areas like flower beds or vegetable gardens, necessitating regular maintenance and control measures to prevent it from overtaking desired plantings.
Overall, Randall grass is an adaptable, warm-season grass that is favored for its excellent durability, low maintenance requirements, and attractive appearance in many landscaping scenarios.
