Family: Asparagaceae
Author: Lour.
Bibliography: Fl. Cochinch.: 201 (1790)
Year: 1790
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Liriope
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & S. Japan to Cambodia
Description
Creeping liriope, scientifically known as Liriope spicata, is a versatile and hardy plant belonging to the Asparagaceae family. This plant is native to regions from Central and Southern Japan extending to Cambodia, flourishing in a variety of climates and soil conditions. Its robust nature makes it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers seeking attractive ground cover that can thrive in both sun-drenched and partially shaded areas.
Liriope spicata is characterized by its lush, grass-like foliage that forms dense clumps, creating a rich green carpet over the ground. The leaves are linear and arching, typically measuring between 8 to 18 inches in length. During the summer and early autumn, Creeping liriope produces an abundance of flower spikes. These flower spikes showcase small, beautiful blooms that range in color from lavender to white, adding a subtle yet charming accent to the plant’s verdant foliage.
One of the remarkable aspects of Creeping liriope is its ability to spread through underground stolons. This growth pattern allows it to form a thick mat, making it highly effective for erosion control on slopes and embankments. Additionally, its resilience against pests, diseases, and even deer makes it a low-maintenance option for various landscaping needs.
Gardeners appreciate Liriope spicata for its adaptability. It can be used in borders, mass plantings, or as ground cover under trees where grass might struggle to grow. The plant’s ability to tolerate poor soil, drought, and varying light conditions further enhances its appeal. With minimal care, such as occasional trimming to remove old foliage and periodic division to control its spread, Creeping liriope can bring lasting beauty and functionality to diverse garden settings.
First described in 1790 in “Fl. Cochinch.” by Loureiro, Liriope spicata has since become a cherished addition to gardens around the world, celebrated for its hardiness and aesthetic contribution to landscape design.
Common Names
Eng: creeping liriope, creeping lilyturf
Swe: blek druvlilja
En: Creeping liriope, Creeping lilyturf
Sv: Blek druvlilja
Synonyms
- Ophiopogon spicatus ((Lour.) Ker Gawl.)
- Liriope koreana ((Palib.) Nakai)
- Liriope spicata var. humilis (F.Z.Li)
- Liriope spicata f. koreana ((Palib.) H.Hara)
- Liriope graminifolia var. koreana ((Palib.) Nakai)
- Liriope spicata var. prolifera (Y.T.Ma)
- Ophiopogon spicatus var. koreanus (Palib.)
- Ophiopogon koreanus ((Palib.) Masam.)
- Ophiopogon fauriei (H.Lév. & Vaniot)
- Ophiopogon tawadae ((Ohwi) Masam.)
- Liriope tawadae (Ohwi)
- Mondo koreanum ((Palib.) Hiatsusima)
- Ophiopogon spicatus var. longipes (Pamp.)
- Ophiopogon spicatus var. confusus (Pamp.)
- Mondo fauriei ((H.Lév. & Vaniot) Farw.)
Distribution
- Cambodia (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Hainan (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Sep 30, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 1, 2022 by ben vc (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2022 by francois tissot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 23, 2020 by Maria Suhostavtzeva (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 17, 2022 by 省三 小谷 (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 3, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Anton Johnston (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Koyeli Saha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2022 by francois tissot (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Feb 3, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 23, 2020 by Maria Suhostavtzeva (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2022 by francois tissot (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3685256)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:429757-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Liriope spicata Lour.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
