Dwarf Lilyturf

(Ophiopogon japonicus)

Dwarf Lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is an evergreen perennial herb native to forest margins, open woodlands, and grassy slopes in East Asia and Southeast Asia. It typically grows to a height and width of 0.8-1 feet, forming dense tufts of grass-like foliage. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and slightly curved. Dwarf Lilyturf produces small, bell-shaped flowers that range from white to pale lilac, appearing in a short raceme on a 5- to 10-cm stem during the summer months. The flowers are followed by attractive, blue, berry-like fruits, each 5 mm in diameter. Its underground system consists of large stolons with tuberous roots, which contribute to its effectiveness as ground cover.

Dwarf Lilyturf is valued for its lush evergreen foliage, making it a popular choice for ground cover, border planting, and as a lawn substitute in shaded areas. It is also used in rock gardens and for erosion control on slopes. The plant is known for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, although it prefers part shade. It requires medium amounts of water and grows best in soils with slow or medium drainage. Ophiopogon japonicus is generally pest and disease-free but can suffer from root rot in overly wet conditions. It is also resistant to deer and drought once established. Popular cultivars include ’Albus’, ’Compactus’, ’Kyoto Dwarf’, and ’Silver Mist’. Despite its use in aquaria, it is not a true aquatic plant and will eventually perish underwater.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 0.8-1 feet
  • Width: 0.8-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Forest margins, open woodlands, and grassy slopes in East Asia and Southeast Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Mondograss , Fountainplant , Monkeygrass , Snake’s Beard , Ophiopogon , Japanischer Schlangenbart , Muguet Du Japon , Pêlo-De-Urso , Ormskägg , 소엽맥문동 , Mai Dong

Scientific Names: Ophiopogon japonicus , Ophiopogon japonicus var. umbrosus , Ophiopogon ohwii , Ophiopogon japonicus var. caespitosus , Mondo japonicum , Ophiopogon merrillii , Ophiopogon gracilis , Liriope gracilis , Mondo longifolium , Ophiopogon japonicus var. elevatus

GBIF Accepted Name: Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl.