Liriope spicata aka Creeping Liriope

Liriope spicata is a low perennial called creeping lilyturf. Other names include monkey grass and creeping liriope. It belongs to the asparagus family, not the grass family. Its native range runs from central and southern Japan to Cambodia. It also grows in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Wild plants grow in woods, on slopes, and in moist places.

Plants form low mounds that join into a dense cover. Garden heights range from 0.5–1.5 feet [0.15–0.46 metres]. The RHS gives an upper height of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Individual plants spread about 1–2 feet [0.3–0.61 metres]. Rhizomes carry growth beyond the first clump. Narrow, dark green leaves rise straight from the ground. They can reach 1.5 feet [0.46 metres] long. The leaves have parallel veins and lack hairs. They may turn bronze-green in winter. Sources describe the foliage as evergreen or semi-evergreen.

Small flowers grow in upright racemes among the leaves. Their colours range from pale violet and purple to off-white. Each flower has six parts. Bloom starts in summer and may last into autumn. Chicago Botanic Garden lists July through October. Round, fleshy fruits follow the flowers, though crops can be sparse. They turn blue-black and stay under 0.04 feet [0.013 metres] long.

Partial or full shade suits this plant best. It can grow in sun, but hot sun may cause yellowing and dieback. It prefers moist soil that drains well. Clay, loam, and sand can all support growth. It accepts acid and alkaline soils, though the RHS favours acid soil. Established plants tolerate drought. Hardiness listings range from USDA zones 4–10 to 6–10. The RHS assigns H4 for UK conditions. Growers can divide plants or raise them from seed. Routine pruning is not needed.

Gardeners use creeping lilyturf beneath trees and shrubs. Its dense growth can hold soil on banks and slopes. It tolerates deer and rabbits, but not regular foot traffic. Rhizomes can invade lawns and nearby beds. Removal can be hard once plants take hold. North Carolina State lists it as invasive in Tennessee and Georgia. UF/IFAS also advises against planting it. Scale, slugs, snails, and grasshoppers may damage plants. Sources report few major disease problems. Root edibility remains uncertain because reports involve another species. North Carolina State flags the fruit as a low poison risk. It notes no known poisoning cases, but urges caution.