Liriope is a genus of the subfamily Nolinoideae in the family Asparagaceae. It is named for Liriope, the mother of Narcissus. Common English name is Lilyturf.
Liriope muscari (Decne.) L.H.Bailey is native to Eastern Asia (China, Korea, Japan) where it grows in shady forests. It is a tufted, tuberous-rooted, grass-like perennial with white to violet-purple flowers in summer. The species name originates from the resemblance of the flowers to the flowers of Muscari. Photos by Martin Bohnet of the commonly sold, variegated form of Liriope muscari.
Liriope spicata Lour. is often sold under the synonym of L. koreana. Native to Asia from Japan and Korea down to China and Vietnam, it also has established some escaped populations in Alabama and Illinois. It is more slender and delicate than its cousin L. muscari and has a habit of spreading through its rhizomes, resulting in the common name of Creeping Liliturf. Its flower spike usually doesn't reach above the leaves. Photos by Martin Bohnet of a plant obtained from Crûg Farm.
