Mondo Grass
Ophiopogon japonicus · Warm-season, Perennial, Evergreen (Liliopsid/Monocot, not a true Poaceae grass)
Grass Family
Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae (formerly Convallariaceae or Liliaceae)
Grass Category
Ornamental Groundcover, Lawn Alternative, Shade Garden Grass
Variety / Cultivar
Nana (Dwarf Mondo Grass)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6-10; excellent heat tolerance; remains evergreen in most zones but may go dormant or brown in extreme Zone 6 winters.
About This Grass
A sod-forming perennial that mimics turf grass but is actually a member of the asparagus family. It maintains a deep, forest-green color year-round. It grows in dense tufts, reaching 2-4 inches in 'Nana' variety and up to 12 inches in standard forms. Produces small lavender or white flowers hidden in foliage followed by bright blue berry-like seeds.
Blade Characteristics
Narrow (2-3mm), linear, strap-like leaves; dark green to almost black-green; leathery texture; curving or arching; lack traditional grass ligules/auricles; blunt or slightly pointed tips; prominently parallel-veined.
Root System
Fibrous root system with small, fleshy tuberous storage organs; moderately deep; forms a very tight, weed-resistant mat; slow to establish but very stable once mature.
Growing Information
Origin Region
East Asia (Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam); widely adapted to humid subtropical and temperate regions
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous and Clump-forming; spreads slowly via underground stolons and fleshy tubers to form a dense, carpet-like mat
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Shade to Partial Sun (bleaches in intense direct sun); moderate water needs; prefers moist, well-drained slightly acidic soil; high drought tolerance once established.
Mowing & Maintenance
Low maintenance; typically requires no mowing. Can be mowed once a year in early spring at high setting (3-4 inches) to remove winter burn; needs very little fertilization (1lb N per 1000 sq ft annually).
Special Characteristics
Exceptional shade tolerance; high deer resistance; salt tolerant; extremely slow-growing (requires little edging); poor foot traffic tolerance compared to true turf but survives occasional treading.
Ecological Information
Introduced ornamental; non-invasive in most regions; provides ground cover for small amphibians and insects; used widely for erosion control on shaded banks; often paired with ferns, hostas, or Japanese maples.