Monkey Grass 'Nana' Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'

Dwarf Mondo Grass 'Nana' is an attractive low-growing evergreen Mondo grass cultivar that slowly spreads and forms thick tufts of arching, linear, grass-like dark green leaves. In the summer, insignificant racemes of white flowers appear and are followed by pearl-sized berry-like fruits. The flowers and fruits are typically hidden by the leaves. The plant grows up to 6 inches tall and spreads in clumps up to 8 to 12 inches. It is very similar to Liriope and spreads slowly by short underground stolons. It is grown for its ornamental tufts of grass-like leaves and is frequently used as a lawn alternative, particularly in shady areas. It is tolerant of low foot traffic and is resistant to deer and rabbit damage.

The species is native to the woodlands of Central and South China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines.

The genus name, Ophiopogon, is derived from the Greek word, ophis, meaning snake, and pogon meaning beard. The specific epithet, japonicus, means native to Japan.

Dwarf Mondo Grass 'Nana' prefers moist, well-drained soils of clay, loam, or sand with an acidic to neutral pH. It is both drought and salt tolerant. The grass will grow in shaded areas, but if planted in full sun, it will require additional moisture.

This groundcover can serve as a low-maintenance and no-mow lawn. It is great for filling shaded areas of the landscape where the grass is difficult to grow. Dwarf Mondo Grass 'Nana' may be used as a planting between stepping stones, around patios, and for use as borders, edging, and underplanting shrubs or trees. You may want to consider this plant for Asian gardens, rock gardens, or coastal gardens

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Summer        Foliage:  Year-round        Fruits: Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• low-growing groundcover, ornamental grass-like,
• narrow, linear, dark green leaves measuring up to 6 inches long and about 1/4 inch wide
• insignificant racemes of tiny bell-shaped white flowers in the summer
• small, pearl-like berries of blue to black

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for slugs and no serious insect or disease problems. It should not be planted in high-traffic areas. It is slow-growing and will take years to establish in large areas.

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 Ophiopogon japonicus.