How to identify Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus)
Black mondo grass, also known as Mondo grass, Black dragon mondo grass, Lilyturf
Black mondo grass is a distinctive evergreen groundcover recognized primarily for its unique foliage composed of thin, linear leaves that exhibit a striking purple-black color. It forms a mounding shape and can reach up to 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in height. The summer blooms are not to be overlooked; they present as large racemes crowded with showy flowers. These blooms markedly stand out, held above the foliage, creating a stark contrast. The species expands its reach slowly, forming tufts, with some offspring reverting to a green hue.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Linear leaves with purple-black color, forming a mounding shape, 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall.
Bell-shaped white flowers with lilac tint, arranged in racemes 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) long.
Distinctive spherical berries, deep blue, less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) diameter in clusters.
Simple linear leaves, black to purple-black, up to 14 inches (35.5 cm) long, dense clump.
Stoloniferous green to dark brown stems with runners, 0.1-0.2 inches (0.25-0.5 cm) in diameter.
The leaves of black mondo grass are simple, entire, and linear, typically less than an inch (2.5 cm) wide and up to 14 inches (35.5 cm) long. They exhibit a striking black to purple-black coloration, adding an ornamental quality. The smooth margins and overall uniformity in shape make these leaves distinctive. Additionally, the leaves form a dense, grass-like clump, further enhancing their unique appearance.
The flowers of black mondo grass are notable for their bell-shaped form and delicate coloration. Blooming in mid-summer, they are white with a tint of lilac and appear in racemes that are approximately 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) long. These petite flowers have a distinct flattened scape, an essential feature for identification. Each flower consists of multiple petals arranged symmetrically, contributing to their charming appearance. The flowers lack a pronounced scent, making their visual attributes their primary identification markers.
The stems of black mondo grass are stoloniferous, characterized by their spreading nature through runners. These runners are slender, typically ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 inches (0.25 to 0.5 cm) in diameter, and exhibit a smooth texture. The stems are green to dark brown, depending on the age and exposure to sunlight. They have a creeping habit, often forming mats as they spread. Branching is minimal, focusing more on horizontal propagation than vertical growth.
The fruit of black mondo grass is a distinctive spherical berry, typically striking in appearance with its deep blue hue. Each berries boasts a diameter of less than 1 inch (2.54 cm), presenting a somewhat waxy texture. These berries emerge in clusters, offering a visual contrast against the plant’s foliage. The blue coloration is typically a reliable identifier for the fruit, distinguishing it from fruits of similar size and shape.
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Scientific Classification of Black mondo grass
