Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as Mondo Grass, is a low-growing, grass-like evergreen perennial often used as a groundcover in shaded or partially shaded landscapes. Native to East Asia, Mondo Grass forms dense, slowly spreading clumps of narrow, dark green, arching foliage. It typically grows 6 to 10 inches tall and wide, producing small, pale lavender to white flowers in summer, followed by dark blue berries. Highly adaptable and deer-resistant, Mondo Grass is prized for its tidy appearance, low maintenance needs, and ability to thrive in dry shade. However, it offers little benefit to native wildlife or pollinators.

Why choose Mondo Grass:

• Shade-tolerant groundcover: Thrives in difficult low-light areas where turf struggles

• Evergreen foliage: Fine-textured green blades provide year-round interest

• Low-maintenance: Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and easy to manage

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Best in part shade to full shade; tolerates some sun in cooler climates

• Soil needs: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerates dry, sandy, or clay soils once established

• Maintenance: Virtually no maintenance; trim in early spring if a refresh is needed

Designs for your garden:

• Understory plantings: Ideal beneath trees or shrubs where other plants may not thrive

• Border edging: Neat growth habit makes it great for walkways and garden borders

• Groundcover: Provides erosion control and weed suppression in mass plantings

Ecological considerations:

• Non-native species: Provides little to no support for native insects or pollinators

• Not a host plant: Does not contribute to native caterpillar or bird populations

• Pair with natives: Combine with native perennials or ferns to increase biodiversity

Looking for native alternatives?

Carex pensylvanica – Pennsylvania Sedge: A fine-textured native grass-like plant that forms soft, spreading clumps perfect for dry shade.
Carex radiata – Eastern Star Sedge: A bright green, clump-forming native sedge that thrives in woodland settings with ornamental seed heads.
Tiarella cordifolia – Foamflower: A native perennial groundcover with frothy white spring blooms and attractive foliage, excellent for woodland settings.