Liriope muscari

Lily turf is a broadleaf evergreen, herbaceous perennial that forms dense basal clumps of narrow, arching dark green leaves and is commonly seen in the home landscape as a groundcover or edging. The clumps of leaves measure 1 to 1.5 feet tall and equally as wide. In the late summer and early fall, it has erect small spike-like purple flowers that are 6 to 8 inches tall.  The flowers are followed by round, shiny black berries that remain through the winter months. Though it may resemble ornamental grass it is not a true grass. The roots are fleshy and tuberous. This plant is a member of the Asparagaceae (asparagus) family.

Lily turf is native to China, Taiwan, and Japan. The plant is usually found in forests, shady and moist areas, near ravines, and on slopes. 

The genus name, Liriope, honors a Greek woodland nymph named Liriope who was the mother of Narcissus. The specific epithet, muscari, means flowers resembling grape hyacinths.  

Lily turf requires acidic to neutral, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate almost full shade but growth is slower and leaves are elongated. This plant needs to be sheltered from cold winds and frost-prone areas. It is drought and deer tolerant, moderately salt-tolerant, and can be used as a lawn alternative for lawns that receive occasional light foot traffic. 

In their first year, they will need regular watering to keep soils moist but once they are established they require very little supplemental irrigation. They are light feeders and benefit from a slow-release or organic fertilizer applied in the early spring. To maintain an attractive appearance, cut back tops each February before new growth begins. 

It is normally not necessary to propagate liriope plants as they are aggressive growers though this plant is less aggressive than Liriope spicata or creeping lily turf. Lily turf is grown in a clump form and is better suited for edging. The leaves are a little bit wider and the flowers larger than that of creeping lily turf.

Lily turf is an attractive edging plant for walkways and paths. It is also an excellent ground cover in shady areas under trees or placed in front of shrubs. Use lilyturf for edging, rock gardens, containers, woodland settings, or as a ground cover.

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Late Summer and Fall    Foliage: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter     Fruits:  Fall and Winter

Quick ID Hints:

• broadleaf, herbaceous perennial that forms dense clumps of narrow, linear, dark green leaves about 1-inch wide and up to 1 to 1.5 feet tall
• fleshy and tuberous roots
• purple 6 to 8-inch spike-like flowers blooming from August to September
• small, round black berry-like fruits in the fall and persist through winter

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant has no serious insect or disease problems. Monitor for slugs and snails. Leaf rot, crown rot, and anthracnose may occur.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Liriope.