Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nippon’, dwarf mondo grass
Family: Asparagaceae
Description:
Ophiopogon japonicus is a low-tufted grass growing a maximum 2-5 inches tall. It is dark in color and fine textured. Depending on site conditions, this clump-forming species can provide either an even or patchy covering.
Growing conditions:
This species is extremely shade tolerant. It is best in a protected area, away from foot traffic. To avoid browning of grass tips, it is best to plant at lower elevations, as this species is not particularly cold-hardy.
Suitable uses:
Ophiopogon is often used as a groundcover. If kept away from foot traffic this grass species will form a more even covering, neat and tidy in appearance. It works particularly well planted as islands interspersed with moss and rocks.
![https://www.flickr.com/photos/nestmaker/27272905863/in/photolist-Hy1LJT-kow2z-gLpUic-8DxkCJ-3gjQ4d-3jST3j-8W6fbw-eNnEXj-6F8psN-2tTPsk-bYNKoN-3jSVmf-3jNtz4-7FzGNg-8MWgVa-f2X7BE-rx1Ch1-eVBoHA-6iYcWW-m9uTh-bDtAE1-f2Wv1c-9KoJCA-qomEsP-5nzjHo-HVKmm-AfakK-7zJhZe-tWR7v-fAtWHJ-tj4rT-88kwL1-9AhVot-dX3EfU-8bs4w8-bqcpGm-rLE3d-9hrVTE-k2hh-88kxKA-dpUQRF-bmME8x-5aovdc-7bTcNu-ZE13V-5vSy8S-HVPqM-58F8fg-dojxGV-APo6FH](https://blogs.ubc.ca/larc510balden/files/2016/08/Ophiogogon-Japonicus-Nippon22.jpg)
CC Image courtesy of Megan Hansen on Flickr