Abstract: The effect of Cd²⁺ concentration on the germination and growth of Cynodon dactylon and Eremochloa ophiuroides has been studied. The results showed that the seed germination rate, germination vigor, germination index, vigor index, root length and seedling length of the two turfgrass species decreased with increases in Cd²⁺ concentration. Chlorophyll content in leaves decreased slightly and the MDA contents in leaves showed a rising trend after an initial drop with increasing Cd²⁺ concentration. The CAT activities of C. dactylon increased at first and then decreased with increasing concentrations. At a Cd²⁺ concentration of 5.0 mg/L, CAT activities were significantly higher than that of CK, while the CAT activities of E. ophiuroides in all treatments were lower than that of CK. The POD activities of the two turfgrass species increased at first and then decreased with increasing Cd²⁺ concentration, reaching its peak at 10.0 mg/L. The PPO activities of C. dactylon and E. ophiuroides were higher than CK when the concentrations were at 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 40.0 mg/L. With increasing Cd²⁺ concentrations, the PPO activities of both species showed a declining trend following an initial rise. The two turfgrass species have a certain degree tolerance of Cd²⁺, with the tolerance of C. dactylon greater than that of E. ophiuroides. Both turfgrass species can thus be used in soils with low levels of Cd²⁺ pollution.