Liriope muscari (Liriope)

Botanical name: Liriope muscari

Common names: Liriope, Border Grass, Lily-turf

Family: Asparagaceae    (Formerly:Ruscaceae)

Subfamily: Nolinoideae

Origin: Eastern Asia

Becomes established most rapidly in well worked, fertile soil, but is tolerant of much less than ideal conditions. This plant is a true survivor and will grow almost anywhere.

Liriope is one of the best and most beautiful ground covers for shady gardens and even boasts summertime color. Because of its dense root mass, liriope is an excellent choice for controlling erosion on steep, shady slopes by stabilizing the soil and suppressing weed growth.

The genera Liriope and Ophiopogon are closely related and there is some confusion over their common names, particularly since some have been renamed recently but are still being sold under their old names.