Mondo-Grass

Ophiopogon  japonicus (L. f.) Ker Gawl.

oaf-ee-oh-POE-gon  jah-PON-ah-cus

Liliaceae

Explanation of name: Generic name from Greek ophis, snake, and pogon, beard (DEH). Japonicus is self-explanatory.

Natural range: Eastern Asia

Recognition: A small grasslike lily used as a ground cover, with leaves up to about a foot long (or much shorter in some cultivars), and usually very narrow (often about 1/8” to ¼”). The purplish flowers are hidden in the foliage. There are many cultivars, including the dwarf ‘Nana’ and at least one variegated selection.

Differs from Liriope by: being usually smaller (leaves about 1/8”-1/4” wide vs. wider), having the inflorescences hidden among the leaves, and by having inferior ovaries (some data from CHR, DEH).

Landscape uses: Shade-tolerant ground cover, better to the north, and prone to suffer from the heat in southernmost Florida, although DEH reports it to be suitable for all parts of the state.