Liriope spicata (Thunb.) Lour.
Creeping Lilyturf, Creeping Liriope, Lilyturf, Monkey-grassThreat Level | Category |
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Emerging | Forb/Herb |
Similar Species May be confused with the following native and/or non-native species. Landscape Alternatives lists native horticultural substitutes |
Liriope muscari Ophiopogon japonicus Landscape Alternatives |
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Description
reeping lilyturf is an evergreen, grass-like perennial from rhizomes that forms a dense, turf-like groundcover, with narrow, arching leaves and short flowering scapes partially hidden among the foliage.Stems
Plants produce one or more underground white stolons spreading widely to create new foliage shoots and form dense colonies. Fibrous roots below each crown frequently form small oblong tubers.Leaves
Foliage consists of narrow (1/8 - 1/4 in., 3-6 mm), dark green, glossy leaves arching 9 to 15 inches (25-60 cm) in basal clusters.Flowers
Short flowering scapes (5-10 in., 12-16 cm) partially hidden within the foliage in mid to late summer. White to pale lavender flowers occur in separate fascicles (clusters), pedicels 2 mm, flowers 5 mm.Fruit
Immature green round fruits become black and shiny in the fall. Each pea-sized fruit (3/8 in., 7-9 mm diameter) contains one seed.Images
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.orgMore images of Liriope spicata
Life History
"Liriope spicata is a low-growing, grass-like perennial that is native to Southeast Asia. This and several similar Liriope species have been widely introduced into the United States for ornamental and groundcover purposes. Liriope spicata can spread aggressively via seed dispersal and creeping rhizomes and form dense, monotypic patches."Habitat
Within its native range in Southeast Asia, creeping lilyturf is an understory plant in forests and on grassy slopes, hillsides and moist places from sea level to 5,900 feet elevation. Under landscape cultivation, it grows readily in average, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade, yet it tolerates a wide range of light and soil conditions including poor, thin soil and wetlands, as well as heat, humidity, and drought. Its aggressive spread proves problematic, as rhizomes run below landscaping borders and under concrete.Origin & Distribution
Liriope is a monocot in the Butcher's-Broom family, Ruscaceae, (formerly in the Lily family, Liliaceae) and native to Southeast Asia, including China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. It is commonly used in landscaping as a groundcover in the southeastern U.S. and where the climate is similar to its native range. USDA PLANTS Database shows an introduced range in the U.S. primarily east of the Mississippi River spanning from Illinois to Florida, Virginia to Mississippi.Management Recommendations
Mechanical Control
As a shallow rooted herbaceous perennial, creeping lilyturf in small patches can be readily removed through digging. Regular monitoring is required to catch bird-sown seedlings early for easier removal with less soil disturbance.Chemical Control
Tests of 7 herbicides on year-old plants revealed differences in efficacy. "Visual evaluations at 30 and 60 days after treatment indicated that no treatment provided rapid control of the foliage. However, above- and belowground biomass harvested at 90 and 180 days after treatment (DAT) indicated that metsulfuron and imazapyr were highly effective in controlling L. spicata. Both herbicides reduced belowground biomass by greater than 97%. Glyphosate and imazapic, which have been recommended for creeping lilyturf control, only reduced belowground biomass by 43 and 45%, respectively, at 180 DAT. The herbicides 2,4-D and dicamba, which have known efficacy on other members of the family Liliaceae, did not effectively control L. spicata. These results indicate that metsulfuron and imazapyr are more effective treatment options for creeping lilyturf control than currently recommended glyphosate and imazapic treatments. However, in hardwood forest systems where creeping lilyturf is primarily invasive, their utility may be limited due to potential nontarget damage."Thick waxy leaves are often resistant to herbicide penetration. Cutting back old foliage to prompt fresh leaves improves chemical uptake as would use of a surfactant. Repeat treatments will be necessary.