It has a deep root system; in drought situations with penetrable soil, the root system can grow to over deep, though most of the root mass is less than under the surface. The grass creeps along the ground with its stolons and roots wherever a node touches the ground, forming a dense mat. "C. dactylon" reproduces through seeds, stolons, and rhizomes. Growth begins at temperatures above with optimum growth between ; in winter, the grass becomes dormant and turns brown. Growth is promoted by full sun and retarded by full shade, e.g., close to tree trunks.