Monkey Grass Liriope
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Monkey Grass:
- Phonetic Spelling
- lir-RYE-oh-pee
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Lilyturf is a genus of broadleaf evergreen, clump-forming, perennials in the Asparagaceae or asparagus family. The name liriope is derived from new Latin and is a nymph in Roman mythology. Though it may resemble an ornamental grass it is not a true grass.
Some species of lilyturf grow more aggressively than others so it is important to choose your plants wisely. They require acidic to neutral well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate almost full shade but growth is slow and leaves are elongated. There are many species and cultivars out with variegated foliage that adds interest to shady areas of the landscape.
Lilyturf is used in a variety of landscape settings, along slopes to prevent erosion, for edging, rock gardens, containers, in woodland settings, or as a ground cover. It is drought and deer tolerant, moderately salt-tolerant, and some species can be used as a lawn alternative for lawns that receive occasional light foot traffic. It is normally not necessary to propagate liriope plants as they are aggressive growers.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Anthracnose, leaf and crown rot, slugs, and snails are occasional problems.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Dry Stream Bed Garden in Cabarrus County
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- L. muscari, L. spicata
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- L. muscari, L. spicata
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Liriope
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- East and Southeast Asia
- Wildlife Value:
- This plant is mildly resistant to damage by deer.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 9 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Poisonous
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Dense
- Mounding
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- Blue
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Small, white to violet, 6-parted, on an elongated stem
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Variegated
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Narrow and grass-like can be green, variegated, or another color.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Lawn
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Heavy Shade
- Problems:
- Poisonous to Humans
