Mondo Grass (or Monkey Grass)
Ophiopogon japonicus · Warm-season evergreen perennial (Note: Technically a grass-like lily, not a true Poaceae grass)
Grass Family
Asparagaceae (Subfamily: Scilloideae); formerly Liliaceae
Grass Category
Ornamental Grass / Groundcover
Variety / Cultivar
Dwarf Mondo (Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6-11; excellent heat tolerance; stays evergreen in most climates but may bronze in harsh winters.
About This Grass
A low-growing, tufted evergreen groundcover. It forms dense, dark green mounds of strap-like leaves. It is often used as a 'no-mow' lawn alternative or for borders. Flower spikes are small, white to pale lilac, followed by blue metallic berries hidden within the foliage.
Blade Characteristics
Fine to medium width (approx. 2-4mm), strap-shaped, leathery texture, dark green color, blunt or rounded tips, prominent parallel venation with no central midrib like true grasses.
Root System
Fibrous and stoloniferous with small tuberous storage organs; slow establishment speed; creates a tight, sod-like mat over several years that resists weeds.
Growing Information
Origin Region
East Asia (Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam); widely adapted to USDA zones 6-11
Growth Habit
Bunch-type clumping habit with slow-spreading underground rhizomes and tubers
Sunlight & Water Needs
Partial sun to full shade; high drought tolerance once established; prefers moist, well-drained loamy soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0).
Mowing & Maintenance
Mowing height: No mowing required (natural height 2-4 inches for dwarf); maintenance level is very low; requires minimal fertilization (once in spring); do not dethatch.
Special Characteristics
Superior shade tolerance compared to true turfgrasses; high salt tolerance; deer and rabbit resistant; very low traffic tolerance (not suitable for sports or heavy walking).
Ecological Information
Introduced/Non-native species; provides soil stabilization for shaded slopes; low wildlife food value but provides cover for small invertebrates; non-invasive in most managed landscapes.