Lilyturf
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| Missing image LyriopeSpicata_wb.jpg Young variegated Liriope spicata Young variegated Liriope spicata | ||||||||||||
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Lilyturf is a group of low, grass-like, flowering plants often used in landscaping, especially in the southeastern U.S. (except southern Florida). Lilyturf is not a true grass, but a genus (Liriope) within the lily family Liliaceae.
Lilyturf is closely related to monkey grass (Ophiopogon japonicus and Ophiopogon planiscapus), and many species of Ophiopogon also have synonymous names under Liriope. Giant lilyturf is known as both Liriope gigantea and Ophiopogon jaburan.
Liriope are usually used in the garden for the foliage effects, as their flowers are small and subtle. They grow aggressively in the right conditions, spreading by runners; hence their nickname, "creeping lilyturf".