Liriope spicata
Encyclopedia
Liriope spicata is a species
of low, herbaceous flower
ing plant
s from East Asia
. Common names include creeping lilyturf, lilyturf, and monkey grass. This perennial has grass-like evergreen foliage and is commonly used in landscaping
in temperate climates as groundcover
. Creeping lilyturf has white to lavender flowers which produce single-seeded berries on a spike in the fall. It is one of the most popular groundcovers in the southeastern United States and areas with a similar climate.
, grass-like perennial which forms clusters of narrow, arching, glossy, dark green leaves (to 1/4 inch wide (0.6 cm)) typically growing 9 to 15 inches (23 to 38 cm) high. Erect flower spikes with small, white to pale lavender flowers arise, somewhat hidden, among the leaves in late summer. Blackish berries develop in fall and often persist through winter. Roots have prominent rhizomes and frequent tubers. A cultivar exists with variegated leaves.
Creeping lilyturf looks very similar to another common species in the genus—lilyturf (Liriope muscari
). Creeping lilyturf can be distinguished by its rhizomatous root system (in contrast to the diffused root system of lilyturf), its less prominent flower spike being partially within leaves (lilyturf has a longer spike extending well above leaves), and its generally narrower and shorter leaves when compared those of lilyturf.
Creeping lilyturf is easily reproduced by dividing the root mass and rhizomes. The optimum time to do this is during the dormant season before onset of new growth. Plants produced by division are identical to the mother plant, and thus, cultivar traits are retained.
Liriope spicata is used as a substitute for mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) in Chinese medicine as an herb for yin deficiency.
) has been reported. Anthracnose fungus sometimes causes reddish steaks in the leaves. Scale insect
s have been reported to cause unsightly reddish spots on leaves during late summer. Slugs and snails are occasional pests.
Some people feel that creeping lilyturf has been overused as a landscaping plant and that suitable native plants can be used in its place. Lilyturf is reported to have little wildlife value.
Like most other non-grass groundcovers, creeping lilyturf does not hold up to traffic well.
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
of low, herbaceous flower
Flower
A flower, sometimes known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproductive structure found in flowering plants . The biological function of a flower is to effect reproduction, usually by providing a mechanism for the union of sperm with eggs...
ing plant
Plant
Plants are living organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Precise definitions of the kingdom vary, but as the term is used here, plants include familiar organisms such as trees, flowers, herbs, bushes, grasses, vines, ferns, mosses, and green algae. The group is also called green plants or...
s from East Asia
East Asia
East Asia or Eastern Asia is a subregion of Asia that can be defined in either geographical or cultural terms...
. Common names include creeping lilyturf, lilyturf, and monkey grass. This perennial has grass-like evergreen foliage and is commonly used in landscaping
Gardening
Gardening is the practice of growing and cultivating plants. Ornamental plants are normally grown for their flowers, foliage, or overall appearance; useful plants are grown for consumption , for their dyes, or for medicinal or cosmetic use...
in temperate climates as groundcover
Groundcover
Groundcover refers to any plant that grows over an area of ground, used to provide protection from erosion and drought, and to improve its aesthetic appearance .- Ecosystem :...
. Creeping lilyturf has white to lavender flowers which produce single-seeded berries on a spike in the fall. It is one of the most popular groundcovers in the southeastern United States and areas with a similar climate.
Natural range and habitat
Creeping lilyturf is a native understory plant in China and Vietnam occurring in forests and grassy slopes at elevations of sea level to 5900 feet (0-1800 meters).Characteristics
Creeping lilyturf is a rhizomatousRhizome
In botany and dendrology, a rhizome is a characteristically horizontal stem of a plant that is usually found underground, often sending out roots and shoots from its nodes...
, grass-like perennial which forms clusters of narrow, arching, glossy, dark green leaves (to 1/4 inch wide (0.6 cm)) typically growing 9 to 15 inches (23 to 38 cm) high. Erect flower spikes with small, white to pale lavender flowers arise, somewhat hidden, among the leaves in late summer. Blackish berries develop in fall and often persist through winter. Roots have prominent rhizomes and frequent tubers. A cultivar exists with variegated leaves.
Creeping lilyturf looks very similar to another common species in the genus—lilyturf (Liriope muscari
Liriope muscari
Liriope muscari is a species of low, herbaceous flowering plants from East Asia. Common names in English include big blue lilyturf, lilyturf, border grass, and monkey grass...
). Creeping lilyturf can be distinguished by its rhizomatous root system (in contrast to the diffused root system of lilyturf), its less prominent flower spike being partially within leaves (lilyturf has a longer spike extending well above leaves), and its generally narrower and shorter leaves when compared those of lilyturf.
Cultivation
Creeping lilyturf is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Moist, fertile soils with partial shade are ideal, but it also tolerates wide range of light and soil conditions. Creeping lilyturf also tolerates heat, humidity, and drought. The evergreen foliage often turns brown in late winter; old foliage can be cut back or mowed at a high setting before new shoots appear early spring. Creeping lilyturf is suitable for USDA zones 4 to 10.Propagation
Germination characteristics of the seeds of creeping lilyturf are probably similar to those of Liriope muscari, which have been investigated more thoroughly; its germination guidelines should be followed.Creeping lilyturf is easily reproduced by dividing the root mass and rhizomes. The optimum time to do this is during the dormant season before onset of new growth. Plants produced by division are identical to the mother plant, and thus, cultivar traits are retained.
Uses
Creeping lilyturf is mainly used in mass plantings as a groundcover. Its tendency of aggressive spreading makes it generally unsuitable as a border plant. The species has been observed to establish rhizomes beneath concrete borders. Creeping lilyturf is an excellent plant to establish on steep slopes where erosion control is needed. Minimal maintenance is required.Liriope spicata is used as a substitute for mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) in Chinese medicine as an herb for yin deficiency.
Problems
No serious diseases or pests occur for creeping lilyturf. Root rot (PythiumPythium
Pythium is a genus of parasitic oomycete. Most species are plant parasites, but Pythium insidiosum is an important pathogen of animals...
) has been reported. Anthracnose fungus sometimes causes reddish steaks in the leaves. Scale insect
Scale insect
The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily Coccoidea. There are about 8,000 species of scale insects.-Ecology:...
s have been reported to cause unsightly reddish spots on leaves during late summer. Slugs and snails are occasional pests.
Some people feel that creeping lilyturf has been overused as a landscaping plant and that suitable native plants can be used in its place. Lilyturf is reported to have little wildlife value.
Like most other non-grass groundcovers, creeping lilyturf does not hold up to traffic well.