You may have heard about monkey grass, a grass-like ground cover that is both loved for its use in landscaping and notorious for getting out of hand when it spreads rapidly. Did you know that “monkey grass” is a term used for more than one plant?
Mondo grass and liriope are two different ground cover plants used in landscaping. Though neither is actually a grass, both are known colloquially as “monkey grass” and are often confused with each other. However, there are several physical differences and reasons why mondo grass and liriope are each suitable for different landscaping needs.
At first glance, the two have much in common. They grow close to the ground, are resilient to changes in temperature, spread rapidly, and are difficult to kill. They also both originate from Asia and have been imported to the United States to be used as ground cover in landscaping.
However, learning their differences will help you identify whether you are looking at mondo grass or liriope, so you can differentiate between the two and know which plant will best fit your landscaping plans.
This article outlines several of the similarities and key differences between mondo grass and liriope to help you identify each and determine whether one of these plants is suitable for your yard.
Comparing Mondo Grass and Liriope
| Mondo Grass | Liriope | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Name(s) | Mondo grass, Monkey grass, Fountainplant | Liriope, Lilyturf, Lilygrass, Monkeygrass, Spider grass |
| Scientific Name | Ophiopogon japonicus | Liriope muscari |
| Genus | Ophiopogon | Liriope |
| Description | Mondo grass is a member of the lily family and was traditionally used in Japanese gardens for ground cover, most often as an edge plant bordering water features and planted in small clusters. It stays relatively small and thrives in moist soil with partial to full sun. | Liriope was formerly classified in the lily family but is neither a grass nor a lily. It has been used as a resilient ground cover under trees and shrubs, as well as an edge plant bordering paved areas or water foundations. It grows slightly taller than Mondo grass and will thrive in moist soil in environments with partial to full sun, but can withstand shadier areas and sand or clay. |
| Origin | Originated in Asia and is native to China, India, Japan, and Vietnam | Originated in Asia and is native to China and Japan |
| Flowers | White or pale purple | Blue/Purple |
| Leaves | Linear, dark green, 8-15 inches long and 3/16 inches wide | Linear, dark green, 8-10 inches long and 1/2-3/4 inches wide |
| Berries | Blue | Black |
| Height | 12-15 inches | 12-18 inches |
Key Differences Between Mondo Grass and Liriope
Classification
Both mondo grass and liriope are part of the Asparagaceae, or asparagus, family. However, Ophiopogon japonicus is part of the Ophiopogon genus, while Liriope is a genus that includes multiple species, such as one of the most widespread, Liriope muscari (frequently known simply as liriope).
©iStock.com/undefined undefined
Physical Characteristics
One ready way to tell these plants apart is by looking at their height. Ophiopogon japonicus, often known simply as mondo grass, typically grows 6 to 12 inches tall and has thin leaves that are about 1/2-inch wide. Liriope muscari, often known as liriope, grows taller, typically from 12 to 18 inches tall, sometimes even growing up to 24 inches high. The leaves are also wider than those of mondo grass and can be 1/2 to 3/4 inches wide.
You may also compare the plant’s flowers or berries to give you a clue as to whether it might be mondo grass or liriope. While mondo grass flowers are white or pale purple, liriope flowers are dark blue or purple. Mondo grass berries are blue while liriope berries are black.
You will also find that the leaves look similar. They are long, green, variegated leaves that look like blades of grass and sit in clumps. While their flowers bloom in the summer and are followed by berries, they are also evergreen and resilient to changing weather or soil conditions.
©Peter Turner Photography/Shutterstock.com
Mondo Grass or Liriope?
When making your decision whether to use mondo grass and liriope in your landscaping, you have a choice between two popular options, both of which have become pervasive throughout the United States. Both are relatively easy to care for, can help prevent erosion, grow in places that are hard to mow (such as next to parking lot pavement or a water fountain), and can form an attractive edge along a garden or driveway.
However, though mondo grass can thrive in similar conditions as liriope, it is from slightly farther south. In order to ensure your plant can withstand the climate and weather where you live, you should check the hardiness zone of the plant varieties you choose. Identify your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone using your zip code to ensure you choose appropriate plants.
As you consider your landscaping goals, think about the height you hope to achieve with your ground cover, the soil it will grow in, and the light conditions. You can easily cultivate either mondo grass or liriope as low-maintenance, hardy plants that can withstand a range of growing conditions.
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The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/vinodkumar Amberkhane
Sources
- SF Gate, Available here: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/berries-border-grass-poisonous-64879.html
- GardenBeast, Available here: https://gardenbeast.com/monkey-grass-guide/
- GardenBeast, Available here: https://gardenbeast.com/mondo-grass-guide/
- Doreen G. Howard, Available here: https://www.almanac.com/10-best-shade-plants-garden
- Monrovia, Available here: https://www.monrovia.com/mondo-grass.html
- Clemson Cooperative Extension, Available here: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/mondo-grass/
- Clemson Cooperative Extension, Available here: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/liriope/
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Does monkey grass need sun or shade?
The answer to this question depends on whether the “monkey grass” you have in mind is mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) or liriope (Liriope muscari).
Mondo grass thrives in moist soil with partial to full sun.
Liriope will thrive in moist soil in environments with partial to full sun, but can withstand shadier areas and sand or clay.
What is monkey grass used for?
Both mondo grass and liriope are attractive, easy-to-care-for ground covers that are frequently used in landscaping, especially around the edges of fountains, walking paths, driveways, or garden beds.
Is liriope toxic?
Liriope foliage and flowers are considered nontoxic. However, it should be noted that while liriope berries are not considered “poisonous,” they could cause illness when consumed by humans in small or large quantities.
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