Re: Plant ID

Tammy,

Monkey grass is a common name that has been used to describe both
Liriope and Ophiopogon - two very closely related genera.   I think
the monkey grass you're thinking of must be Ophiopogon, which
actually is hardy in my garden in z.7, but not, I think where you
are.

There are two species of Liriope.  Liriope muscari (Big Blue
Lilyturf), found in China and Japan, forms tufted clumps with thick
tubers between 18 and 24 inches tall, that can reach about 18 inches
in diameter. It is rated hardy from USDA zones 5 to 10

http://www.uark.edu/campus-resources/cotinus/plants1_html/limu1.jpg

Liriope spicata

Liriope spicata, (Creeping Lilyturf), found in China and Vietnam, is
rhizomatous and can be invasive. It makes a better groundcover than
border plant, in my opinion. The leaves are narrower than those of L.
muscari and can reach 24 inches long while the plant seldom gets
taller than 8 to 12 inches. Rated hardy from USDA zones 4 to 10, L.
spicata also tolerates moister soil than L. muscari.

http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/images/cd0637/jpeg/cd0637-69.jpeg

I've read that L. spicata tolerates more shade than L. muscari, but I
grow both and have not found a difference - both grow in deep shade
or sun.

My take is that your friend must have L. spicata.

There are several cultivars of L. muscari available in the trade -
some with nicely variegated foliage; quite handsome IMO - but I've
only found one of L. spicata, so far.

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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----------
> From: Tammy Jones <tammlyn@EARTHLINK.NET>
> Date: Monday, February 19, 2001 3:45 PM
>
> A friend of mine has what appears to be a type of lirope in a
shaded
> corner of her garden.  Someone had told her it was Monkey Grass,
but I
> mentioned that it was very unlikely since it is hardy Zones 8-10
and we
> live in 5.
>
> It doesn't look like *my* lirope - but I still suspect it may be.
My
> lirope forms round clumps, while hers seems to spread about a bit
more,
> yet still somewhat clumps.  Could this be because hers is in deeper
> shade?  Does anyone know a URL for on-line photos of different
types?
>
> Thanks!
> Tammy
> Central Missouri
> Zone 5b
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