Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 2774115

Black Mondo Grass

Ophiopogon planiscapus

Also known as Black Lilyturf, Mondo Grass, Ebony Knight Ophiopogon

Black mondo grass forms striking, arching tufts of narrow strap-shaped foliage that is plain green in the wild species but, in the popular cultivar 'Nigrescens', famously turns near jet-black in full sun. In midsummer, nodding pale violet to white bell-shaped blossoms rise on short stalks nestled among the leaves, eventually ripening into glossy, dark purple berry-like seeds. Spreading slowly via underground stolons and rhizomes, this tough evergreen understory perennial carpets shady woodland slopes and modern garden borders alike.

EvergreenOrnamentalShade Tolerant
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—observations
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—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Garden snails
  • Slugs
ThreatsSlugs, snails, and crown rot in poorly draining soils
HabitatsTemperate woodland slopes, forest edges, and cultivated gardens
Life span10–20 years
Classification
  1. OrderAsparagales
  2. FamilyAsparagaceae
  3. GenusOphiopogon
  4. SpeciesOphiopogon planiscapus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Berries contain saponins toxic to pets if ingested; wild berries have toxic look-alikes, never ingest.
Why it is dangerous
Contains steroidal saponins that cause mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when ingested by pets or children.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by ribbon-like black-purple evergreen leaves and shiny, pea-sized blue-black seeds clustered low on stalks.
What to do
Plant out of reach of domestic pets, and wear gardening gloves if dividing clumps to prevent mild skin sensitivity.
Responsible observation
  • Sun Exposure: Plant in partial to full sun in temperate zones to develop the deepest black foliage color.
  • Soil Moisture: Provide well-drained, humus-rich soil to prevent root and crown rot during wet winter months.
  • Pet Safety: Keep curious cats and dogs from grazing on the fleshy autumn berries.
Related species
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